WALES

Craig Goch Reservoir

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what representations he has received regarding the proposed expansion of the Craig Goch reservoir in the Elan valley; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with members of the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, regarding proposals for the expansion of the Craig Goch reservoir in the Elan valley;
	(3)  what representations he has (a) made to and (b) received from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the proposed expansion of the Craig Goch reservoir in the Elan valley.

Paul Murphy: None. I understand no proposal has been put forward by Severn Trent, or any other water company, to the Environment Agency, or the National Assembly for Wales, in relation to the enlargement of Craig Goch reservoir.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of ordinary written questions for his Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Paul Murphy: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			 Written questions answered within five days of the tabled date Named day questions answered on that date 
			 Month Percentage Month Percentage 
		
		
			 June 2001 100 — — 
			 July 2001 100 — — 
			 October 2001 63 October 100 
			 November 2001 64 November 100 
			 December 2001 86 December 89 
			 January 2002 50 January 30 
			 February 2002 29 February 33 
			 March 2002 66 March 64 
			 April 2002 55 April 93

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to his Department; and what assistance is given by officials in his Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Paul Murphy: My Department has no sponsors.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to his Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed.

Paul Murphy: None.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department has a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Paul Murphy: The Wales Office has no formal policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.
	Since all the permanent civil servants in my Department are secondees, mainly from the National Assembly for Wales, account is taken of Assembly's retirement policy during the recruitment process; that is, staff are not employed beyond the age of 65.

Refurbishment Projects

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the refurbishment projects that (a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber.

Paul Murphy: None.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WTO Agreement

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to discuss with EU colleagues research on the proposal to introduce a development box in the WTO agreement on agriculture.

Clare Short: The UK Government are due to discuss the research with EU colleagues over the coming months.

WTO Agreement

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on the proposal to introduce a development box in the WTO agreement on agriculture.

Clare Short: The UK is committed to measures aimed at helping poor countries to develop their economies and take a more active part in international trade. To this end, we are considering the special and differential treatment and development box proposals made by certain, so called "like-minded" developing countries in the WTO's Agriculture Committee. These proposals contain some interesting elements, including developing countries reducing tariffs more slowly, extension of the safeguard mechanism and maintaining the flexibilities for developing countries agreed in the Uruguay Round. We will actively consider these ideas in the context of the agriculture negotiations.

WTO Agreement

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department has carried out on the proposal for introducing a development box in the WTO agreement on agriculture; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: A number of proposals have been made by developing countries in the WTO's Agriculture Special Session, to include Special and Differential Treatment or Development Box measures in the next agriculture agreement. My Department has commissioned independent analysis of these proposals. This is publicly available on the DFID website.

WTO Agreement

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to discuss with EU colleagues the findings of the research paper by Oxford Policy Management, commissioned by her Department, on the proposal for introducing a development box in the WTO agreement on agriculture.

Clare Short: The UK Government are due to discuss the research with EU colleagues over the coming months.

WTO Agreement

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department has carried out on the proposal for introducing a development box in the WTO agreement on agriculture.

Clare Short: A number of proposals have been made by developing countries in the WTO's Agriculture Special Session, to include Special and Differential Treatment or Development Box measures in the next agriculture agreement. My Department has commissioned independent analysis of these proposals. This is publicly available on the DFID website.

Burundi

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid her Department plans to make available to Burundi in the next five years.

Clare Short: My Department does not have a development programme in Burundi. We have hitherto concentrated on meeting urgent humanitarian need and on support for the peace process, including political efforts, support to the mediation efforts and the Special Protection Force, and some grass-roots peace-building efforts. We also have a programme on HIV/AIDS in Burundi.
	We will devote more attention to the needs of Burundi in coming months, with the appointment of an official in the region to cover Burundi for DFID, based either in Bujumbura or, in the first instance, in Kigali. We are also working to ensure that the EC and IFIs re-engage effectively with Burundi to provide much needed assistance.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Clare Short: My Department currently maintains a normal retiring age of 60 and it has not hitherto been the practice to recruit staff above the age at which existing staff are required to retire unless there were exceptional management reasons. However, this policy is currently under review in respect of those staff for whom DFID has delegated authority to determine the normal retiring age (that is, staff below the senior civil service).

Zimbabwe

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures have been taken to ensure that international aid is given to known MDC supporters as well as Zanu-PF supporters.

Clare Short: We are doing all we can to try to prevent humanitarian relief being misused for political purposes in Zimbabwe. Programmes are operating in a number of areas badly affected by food shortages that could be described as both MDC and Zanu-PF dominated. Beneficiaries are selected on the basis of their vulnerability not their political views. All programmes are delivered by non-government organisations. Selection is undertaken at the grass roots level either by NGOs alone, or in local disaster committees including ward councillors and traditional headmen together with the NGOs. All claims that vulnerable people have been excluded from receiving assistance are investigated, whether they are from Zanu-PF or MDC supporters.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimates she has made of the number of children who have been moved from primary schools in Zimbabwe.

Clare Short: Zimbabwe has a good record in primary school access. Between 1979 and 1996 there was a more than 100 per cent. increase in the numbers of primary schools, and a 102 per cent. expansion in enrolment figures, with 2.49 million children in school. We are concerned that food shortages and economic pressures may be eroding these gains.
	DFID has targeted school children in its supplementary feeding programmes. Since September 2001 we have provided one meal a day to over 200,000 primary school children. Monitoring shows that in the areas where our programmes are active, this has helped to increase enrolment.

Zimbabwe

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds the Government have made available to the Zimbabwe Government to implement the land reform programme that complies with the principles established by the September 2001 Commonwealth Abuja Agreement and the 1998 international donors' conference on land reform.

Clare Short: The Government of Zimbabwe do not have a land reform programme that complies with either its undertakings given in the Abuja Agreement, or the principles agreed at the 1998 International Conference.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which organisations that assist evicted farm workers' families in Zimbabwe have (a) sought and (b) received assistance from (i) her Department and (ii) through international aid supported by Her Majesty's Government.

Clare Short: I will write to the hon. Member.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimates she has made of the extent to which the reported famine in Zimbabwe results (a) from natural causes and (b) from disruption of agriculture.

Clare Short: It is clear that drought has played a large part in the failure of the maize harvest this year. However, the Government of Zimbabwe's policy failures in mishandling food markets; agricultural prices; the exchange rate; and the chaotic land reform programme have also been much to blame, and continue to make matters worse. While it is not possible to attribute between causes with any accuracy, the UNDP estimate that maize production may have been 30 to 60 per cent. affected by land reform alone. The expected drop of at least 60 per cent. in wheat planting this season is almost entirely attributable to disruption of commercial farming activities and state control of prices and markets.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of ordinary written questions for her Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Clare Short: DFID aim to answer all written questions within a week of tabling, and all named day questions on the date specified. The information requested in the question is not easily accessible and would be available only with disproportionate effort.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent by her Department on paying pensions to retired employees of her Department in 2001–02; if she will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if she will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if she will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Clare Short: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 561W.

Poverty Reduction

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the progress of the Africa trade and poverty programme; and what the UK Government's policy aims to assist poverty reduction are.

Clare Short: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 16 May 2002, Official Report, column 752W.

Gujarat

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will offer assistance to the Indian Government to provide (a) general aid and (b) food supplies, to those made homeless in the recent disturbances in the Indian State of Gujarat and who are now living in refugee camps.

Clare Short: We continue to monitor the situation in Gujarat in co-ordination with the Government of India, international agencies and local partners.
	The State Government of Gujarat has up until now refused the assistance of the international community but talks are on-going and we are hopeful that the limited support provided by UNICEF, WHO and international NGOs will soon be increased.

Performance Targets

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the performance targets that her Department, its agencies and non- departmental public bodies are required to meet, apart from those set out in the public service agreements for 1999 to 2002 and 2001 to 2004; and if she will specify for each target (a) who sets it and (b) who monitors achievement against it.

Clare Short: My Department's performance targets are fully set out in our PSAs for 1999–02 and 2001–04. Progress against these PSAs is reported on annually in DFID's departmental report.
	DFID is currently responsible for three non- departmental public bodies:
	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
	Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board
	Overseas Service Pensions Scheme Advisory Board.
	As none of these bodies employs any staff or has any facilities, the only targets that they are required to meet are the Government's targets on equal opportunities for public appointments. These are set by the Cabinet Office and reported on annually. Full details can be found in "Public Bodies: Opening Up Public Appointments 2002–05" which is readily available in the Library of the House.

Great Lakes

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help she provides to assist the development of primary education in the Great Lakes Region.

Clare Short: Since 1998 we have committed over £100 million to help develop and improve the education sectors in Uganda and Rwanda, with particular emphasis on primary education. Both Uganda and Rwanda have made significant achievements and are on track to achieve the International Development Target of Universal Primary Education (UPE) by 2015.
	We do not provide direct assistance to education programmes in the other Great Lakes countries, where our main focus is on supporting the peace process and providing humanitarian aid. Full scale development efforts are impossible in countries still in conflict. As progress is made in resolving the conflicts in Burundi and DRC rebuilding the education system will be an important issue and we will look for early opportunities to encourage the IFIs (particularly the EU) to provide effective support for education in these countries. We will also look at the UK's bilateral role in rebuilding these countries.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding her Department has allocated in 2002–03 for projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if she will list them.

Clare Short: My Department has allocated more than £11 million for work in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002–03. Much of this is to meet urgent humanitarian needs and we expect to make contributions to ICRC and UN appeals. Other sums have been designated for support to different aspects of the Peace Process, including supporting the World bank regional demobilisation programme, and grassroots peace-building initiatives. Expenditure to meet humanitarian need and aspects of the peace process is incurred at very short notice and it is not possible to list projects in advance.

PRIVY COUNCIL

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the President of the Council on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Robin Cook: During the specified period, one departmental special adviser travelled abroad in an official capacity. He went to Dublin in October 2001 to visit Dáil Eireann in order to explore their proposals for reforming their Chamber. The total cost of this visit was £348.13.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the President of the Council what proportion of ordinary written questions for his Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Robin Cook: The information requested is as follows:
	
		Percentage 
		
			 Month Ordinary written questions answered within one week Named day questions answered substantively on that day 
		
		
			 2001   
			 June 100 (1)— 
			 July 100 100 
			 Oct 100 100 
			 November 75 100 
			 December 78 90 
			 2002   
			 January 58 100 
			 February 75 100 
			 March 65 100 
			 April 78 100 
			 May 100 100 
		
	
	(1) None tabled

Joint Committee on the Communications Bill

Graham Allen: To ask the President of the Council how many e-mail responses have been received by the mediator of the pre-legislative scrutiny regarding the Joint Committee on the Communications Bill's first session of evidence taking; how they have been acknowledged; and if he will make a statement on how successful the pilot has been.

Robin Cook: This is a matter for the Joint Committee, not the Government.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Sentence Referrals

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment she has made of the system for seeking to have sentences reviewed on the grounds of undue lenience.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 2 May 2002
	The Attorney-General and I have considered closely the current system and agree with the assessment of Sir Robin Auld in his "Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales" that on the whole the procedure appears to be working well. However, we will keep the system under review at all times.

Sentence Referrals

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Solicitor-General what steps her Department has taken to ensure that victims of crime and other interested parties are routinely informed of the procedures and timescale for requesting that a sentence be referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of undue lenience.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 2 May 2002
	Sections 35 and 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 provide that the Law Officers may refer sentences passed in the Crown Court for a limited range of serious offences to the Court of Appeal for review if it appears to the Law Officer that the sentence passed is unduly lenient. The Law Officers must give notice to the Registrar of Criminal Appeals of an application for leave to refer within 28 days from the day on which the sentence was passed. This time limit is fixed by statute and cannot be extended.
	It is most often the relevant prosecuting authority, such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Serious Fraud Office, etc., that gives consideration as to whether the sentence passed in a particular case is so lenient that the matter should be brought to the attention of the Law Officers, for consideration of a referral to the Court of Appeal as an unduly lenient sentence.
	In addition, both the Law Officers and the CPS receive complaints from victims of crime, Members of Parliament, members of the public, through the media or otherwise that particular sentences passed were lenient. If, in response to such a complaint, the CPS decides that the sentence does not merit submitting the matter to the Law Officers for consideration it will write to the complainant to complain direct to the Law Officers.
	Complaints received by the Law Officers are considered in person by a Law Officer, often with advice from counsel experienced in sentencing law. A reply explaining the Law Officer's decision whether or not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal will be sent to the correspondent.
	Since 1988 the CPS, being the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales and responsible for the vast majority of prosecutions brought before the courts, has identified a substantial number of suitable cases to submit to the Law Officers for consideration of a reference. Advocates acting for the CPS in the Crown Court are instructed to consider whether sentences passed should be submitted to the Law Officers for consideration of a reference.
	Experience suggests that victims who are at court at the time of sentencing and who are concerned about the sentence passed will express that concern to the police or prosecution representatives who would be expected to explain the options that may be available in taking those concerns forward.
	Under the victim's charter the police have a responsibility for advising victims of the outcome of cases. CPS prosecutors will often advise victims of the case outcome in cases where there is a pre-existing line of communication between the CPS and the victim.
	In addition, since 1988 there have been many references to the Court of Appeal, a large proportion of which result in sentences being increased and often receiving national and local media coverage.

DEFENCE

Military Spectrum (Spare Capacity)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the spare capacity in the military spectrum for commercial use; and if he has valued that spare capacity.

Adam Ingram: I assume that this question refers to commercial use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
	We work closely with the Radiocommunications Agency to assess continuously where spare capacity can be made available for new commercial services from within the radio spectrum that is managed by the Ministry of Defence to meet current and planned operational and training commitments.
	The Ministry is currently engaged in releasing the majority of the 410 to 430 MHz band for use by digital public mobile radio services. The value placed on the spectrum already released to the Radiocommunications Agency is £3.5 million per annum. The remainder should be released in 2003 and has a current value of £4.3 million per annum. About 36 MHz of currently MOD managed spectrum is also to be made available for the extension of the 800/900 MHz bands for digital mobile phones and other digital personal mobile radio services. This would be valued at £4.3 million per annum. Spectrum for fixed wireless services in the 3.4 GHz band has very recently been released, with a value of £80,000 per annum. These valuations are based on current spectrum charges that apply equally to civil and military users.

Military Spectrum (Spare Capacity)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason he has not answered the question from the hon. Member for Buckingham tabled on 12 November 2001 asking what assessment he has made of the spare capacity in the military spectrum for commercial use; and if he has valued that spare capacity.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 10 April 2002
	I replied to the hon. Member today.

Defence Medical Services (Afghanistan)

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) regular and (b) reserve personnel of the Defence Medical Services broken down by specialty have been deployed to Afghanistan in support of (i) Operation Fingal and (ii) Operation Jacuna; what percentage of UK forces deployed on each operation this represents; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 24 April 2002
	The details of the personnel from the Defence Medical Services (DMS) deployed in Afghanistan are contained in the table. The majority of these personnel are members of 34 Field Hospital, which serves all United Kingdom personnel in Afghanistan, although 59 are dedicated to Operation Fingal. DMS personnel account for between 6 and 7 per cent. of the total UK forces in Afghanistan.
	
		
			 Speciality Regular Reserve Total 
		
		
			 Staff Officer 6 — 6 
			 Surgeon 4 — 4 
			 Consultant Accident and Emergency 2 — 2 
			 Consultant Anaesthetist 4 1 5 
			 Consultant Physician 1 — 1 
			 Medical Officer 15 — 15 
			 Registered General Nurse 39 2 41 
			 Combat Medical Technician 30 — 30 
			 Medical Assistants 19 — 19 
			 Health Care Assistant 4 — 4 
			 Operating Department Practitioner 10 — 10 
			 Dental Officer 3 — 3 
			 Dental Surgery Assistant 2 — 2 
			 Environmental Health Officer 1 — 1 
			 Environmental Health Technician 5 — 5 
			 Radiographer 2 — 2 
			 Laboratory Technician 2 — 2 
			 Pharmacy Technician 2 — 2 
			 Physiotherapist 2 — 2 
			 Community Psychiatric Nurse 4 — 4 
			 Others 11 — 11 
			  
			 Total 168 3 171

Defence Medical Services (Afghanistan)

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements exist for the medical treatment of UK personnel undertaking (a) Operation Fingal and (b) Operation Jacuna, stating in each case the level of support from (i) the UK Defence Medical Services in Afghanistan, (ii) the Defence Medical Services of other nations deployed in Afghanistan, (iii) medical services based in the UK and (iv) medical services based in other countries; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 24 April 2002
	There is a robust medical infrastructure in place to support United Kingdom forces in Afghanistan. Primary health care facilities are available at the unit level and are supported by 34 Field Hospital at Bagram airfield.
	Where individuals require evacuation from theatre they are moved using tactical and strategic RAF aeromedical evacuation assets to a UK field hospital in the region and then on to the Centre for Defence Medicine, in Birmingham or other specialist hospitals in the UK, as required.
	As a means of making sensible use of international medical facilities in Afghanistan, UK forces deployed in the country may also use the Czech Field Hospital. UK personnel serving with the International Security Assistance Force may additionally have access to the German Field Hospital and French Dressing Station in Kabul. German and French tactical aeromedical aircraft are also available for evacuation from Afghanistan. In certain circumstances, the United States may provide medical care or aeromedical assistance to Operation Jacana forces.
	Other nations may also make their medical facilities available to us from time to time.

Private Sector Hospitals

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the MOD has contracted private sector hospitals to provide medical services in each of the last 12 months; and what the total cost to the MOD budget of contracting private sector hospitals to provide medical services was in each of the last five years.

Lewis Moonie: Figures are not readily available which break down the numbers of referrals made to private sector health care in each of the past 12 months. The cost to the Ministry of Defence budget of contracting private sector hospitals to provide medical services in each of the last five years is as follows:
	
		£ million 
		
			 Financial Year Cost 
		
		
			 1997–98 0.19 
			 1998–99 0.12 
			 1999–2000 0.17 
			 2000–01 3.05 
			 2001–02 1.88 
			 Total 5.41 
		
	
	The referrals were made to a number of private sector health care providers, under a number of separate schemes.

Correspondence

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answers of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 343W and 28 February 2002, Official Report, column 1462W, on correspondence, when he intends to provide a substantive reply.

Lewis Moonie: I wrote to the hon. Member on 15 May. A copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many letters were received by each Minister in his Department in each month since June 1997.

Lewis Moonie: The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May 2002, Official Report, columns 674–76W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.
	Details of other correspondence received by Ministers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Medical Categories (Armed Services)

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 181W, if he will list the medical categories used by the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) RAF; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 May 2002
	The medical condition of personnel in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force is assessed on the basis of a common set of medical categories which range from P2 to P8. A holding category of P0 may also be used for individuals who are in hospital or on hospital sick leave. From this medical grading category each service applies a system of employment categorisation related to its particular operational environment to ensure that individuals are not employed on duties for which they are medically unfit. In all three tables, category refers to their medical category and PES/MES refers to their employment category.
	Royal Navy
	The main concern of the Royal Navy is to ensure that individuals are fit to deploy to sea. The following table summarises the system used:
	
		
			 Category Definition 
		
		
			 P0 Holding category—used when the individual is either in hospital or on hospital sick leave. 
			 P2 Fit for world wide service without restriction. 
			 P2U3 Leadership course restriction only—otherwise fit for world wide service without restriction. 
			 P2L3 Leadership course restriction only—otherwise fit for world wide service without restriction. 
			 P3R Fit for world wide service, which may include sea service, but with a specific caveat, eg no small ships due to sea sickness. 
			 P3P Fit for world wide service, which may include sea service, but with a specific caveat, eg no small ships due to sea sickness. 
			 P7RA UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Fully employable ashore or in ship in harbour in own trade/skills. 
			 P7RB UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Fully employable ashore in own trade/skills. 
			 P7RC UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Employable in restricted duty ashore or in ship in harbour in own trade/skills. 
			 P7RD UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Employable in restricted duties ashore only. 
			 P8 Permanently unfit naval service. 
		
	
	Categories suffixed "R" are temporary categories. Categories suffixed "P" are permanent categories.
	Personnel designated "P8" will remain on naval strength for a variable period of time following boarding depending on entitlement to leave etc.
	Army
	In areas of active operation, the combat zone is referred to as the forward area (F). Between the forward area and the base area are the lines of communication (L). PES is PULHHEEMS employment standard.
	
		
			 Category 
			 P grade PES Definition 
		
		
			 P2 FE (Forward everywhere) Employable in full combatant duties (in any area) in any part of the world. 
			 P3 LE (Lines of Communication everywhere) Normally employed in the line of communication in or behind A2 echelon or base in any part of the world, but may be employed in a combat zone in any role which is not primarily a fighting one. (Clearance is required from a medical officer prior to deployment to an operational area). 
			 P3 RE(PP) Pregnant personnel. 
			 P7 CPND—(Geo) (Caveated Posting Non-Deployable) An individual who is graded P7 and does not meet the criteria for PES LE may be posted to areas in addition to those listed against HO by the APC, having taken advice from the Army Occupational Health Physician APC, to a unit in a specified geographical area but may not deploy from that geographical area without clearance from the Army Occupational Health Physician APC. On unit moves the CO is to obtain clearance from the APC before the individual changes location. 
			 P7 HO (Home Only) Employable in UK, Germany or Belgium or, Gurkha personnel, employable in Nepal, provided adequate and suitable medical facilities are available to treat the condition for which they have been downgraded. 
			 P7 HO (UK) Employable in the United Kingdom only. 
			 P7 HONNI Employable in UK, Germany or Belgium but not in Northern Ireland. Not applicable to R Irish (HS) personnel. 
			 P7 HO(UK)NNI Employable in UK only but not in Northern Ireland. Not applicable to R Irish (HS) personnel. 
			 P8 None Unit for military duties. 
		
	
	Royal Air Force
	Although the primary role of the RAF is flying, most of its personnel are employed on non-flying duties. To indicate the duties on which an individual may be employed both in the air and on the ground, and the climates in which they are fit to service, each individual is assigned a medical employment standard (MES). The MES is indicated by the letters A, G and Z, relating to duties in the air, on the ground and in various geographical locations and climatic zones.
	
		Fitness for duty in the air
		
			 Category   
			 P grade MES Definition 
		
		
			 P2 A1 Fit for full flying duties of their branch/trade, or restricted employability only because of anthropometric limitations. 
			 P2 A2 Fit for full flying duties of their branch/trade but awarded to aircrew who would be A1 but for: 
			   A refractive error. 
			   A hearing standard reduced to H2. 
			 P2 or below A3 Fit for limited flying duties (limitations to be stated). 
			 P2 or below A4 Fit to fly as a passenger in a normal passenger carrying aircraft or as a patient on an aeromedical evacuation flight. 
			 P3 or below A5 Unfit to be taken in to the air. 
			 P8 A5 Unfit for service. 
		
	
	
		Fitness for duty on the ground
		
			 Category   
			 P grade MES Definition 
		
		
			 P2 G1 Fit for full ground duties of their branch/trade, including all general service duties and meets the minimum profile for their branch/trade. 
			 P2 G2 Fit for full ground duties of their branch/trade, including all general service duties but: 
			   Requires a medical marker. 
			   Does not meet minimum profile in their branch/trade. 
			   Has a limitation to non-essential duty. 
			 P3 or below G3 Fit for full ground duties of their branch/trade but fit for limited essential general service duties only. 
			 Generally P7 G4 Fit for limited ground duties within their branch/trade. 
			 P8 G5 Unfit for service. 
		
	
	
		Fitness to service in specific zones
		
			 Category MES Definition 
		
		
			 P2 Z1 Fit to serve anywhere in the world with no climatic restriction. 
			 P3 Z2 Fit to serve anywhere in the world except in environments of low temperature. 
			 P3 Z3 Fit to serve anywhere in the world except in environments of high temperature. 
			 P3 Z4 Fit to serve in temperate climates only. 
			 P7 Z5 Fit to serve in UK only.

Strategic Sealift Service

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 24 April 2002, Official Report, column 259W, what discussions he had with ministerial colleagues regarding the financial and order book position of Cammell Laird prior to the announcement of AWSR Ltd. as preferred bidder for the Strategic Sealift Service on 26 October 2000.

Lewis Moonie: None.

Terrorist Attack (Emergency Services)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) consultation he has had with and (b) guidelines he has issued to the emergency services about dealing with large-scale terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Home Office is the lead Department for dealing with terrorist attacks. The police have primacy in responding to incidents. The Ministry of Defence provides support.

Nuclear Test Veterans

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many claims by ex-service men for pensions claimed as a result of ill health stemming from their service on (a) Christmas Island and (b) other nuclear test sites are outstanding;
	(2)  how many appeals by ex-service men against refusals of pensions as a result of health problems claimed to result from their service on (a) Christmas Island and (b) other nuclear test sites which have been appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal since 1972 have been successful; and how many such awards have included an award backdated to the original application;
	(3)  how many ex-service men have been awarded pensions as a result of health problems resulting from their service on (a) Christmas Island and (b) other nuclear test sites;
	(4)  how many claims by ex-service men for pensions based on health problems claimed to result from their service on (a) Christmas Island and (b) other nuclear test sites have been (i) refused and (ii) appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal within the last five years;

Lewis Moonie: It is not possible to provide the precise information requested on claims.
	However, as at 16 May 2002, there were 21 claims to War Disablement Pension outstanding from ex-service men relating to service in the South Pacific (Christmas Island and the Malden Islands) and three from other nuclear test sites.
	Records maintained since 1998 show 299 awards of pension in relation to service in the South Pacific and 33 to other nuclear test sites.
	The information requested on appeals to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal is not available.

Nuclear Test Veterans

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what target time scale he has for payment of backdated sums awarded by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal to ex-service men who have successfully appealed refusals of pensions claimed as a result of ill health stemming from their service on (a) Christmas Island and (b) other nuclear test sites; and how many awards have been paid within the target period.

Lewis Moonie: The Veterans Agency has a target of 15 working days in which to implement the decision of the Pensions Appeals Tribunal (PAT).
	Statistics relating to clearance of awards following Pensions Appeal Tribunal decisions are not separately available for nuclear test veterans. However, figures are held relating to clearance of all cases following PAT decisions (successful and unsuccessful). Latest available figures show that of 3,204 cases cleared from April 2001 to December 2001, 2,679 were cleared within the 15-day target period.

Air Transport

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how far limitations on the use of C17s have been compensated for by the lease of heavy lift civilian aircraft; and what the costs have been for operations in (a) Afghanistan and (b) the Balkans.

Adam Ingram: The sheer size of the operational deployment in Afghanistan, the lack of viable surface lines of communication into a land-locked country together with a very significant sustainment package has required the use of both the heavy lift Antonov and IL-76 civilian aircraft in parallel with the C-17, so that military and political timelines could be achieved.
	The cost of heavy lift civilian aircraft for operations into Afghanistan chartered by the Ministry of Defence up to 31 May 2002 is £35 million. No such aircraft have been chartered for operations in the Balkans.

Flying Hours

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the NATO standard of flying hours per year per pilot is.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to defence.

HMS Albion

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Albion will enter into service with the Royal Navy.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 20 May 2002
	HMS Albion is expected to enter service in 2003. The exact date is under review with the company, BAES Marine.

Defence Medical Services

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact on spending on the Defence Medical Services of the Chancellor's recent announcement on NHS funding.

Lewis Moonie: The recent announcement on NHS funding will have no direct impact on spending on the Defence Medical Services.

Land Mines

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications his Department has had with the Chemring Group in respect of the manufacture of fragmentation land mines; and if he will list the contracts with their respective values his Department has had each year since 1997 with the Chemring Group.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has not had any communications with the Chemring Group in respect of the manufacture of fragmentation land mines.
	The Chemring Group of companies includes five separate groupings (Air/Land/Sea Countermeasures, Marine Safety, Defence Pyrotechnics, PW (Australia) and Aerospace Wiring Harness). The number and annual value of contracts placed by the MOD with the Chemring Group since 1997 are as follows:
	
		
			   Number of contracts Approximate value (£ million) 
		
		
			 1997 13 23.8 
			 1998 14 9.5 
			 1999 13 11.4 
			 2000 8 2.4 
			 2001 13 11.5 
			 Total 61 58.6 
		
	
	The kinds of equipment these contracts relate to range from Countermeasures, Pyrotechnics, Obscurant Smokes, and Signalling/Distress Flares through to Simulators for Training.

Former Royal Navy Vessels

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Canadian Government on the state of purchased former RN submarines; what the cost was of estimated repairs; what the recommended cost was of maintaining these submarines in mothballs; what the actual cost was; what assessment he has made of the operational readiness of other mothballed assets; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: Ministry of Defence officials have not received any representations from the Canadian Government about the condition of the two ex Upholder Class submarines handed over to Canada, and as such have no information about the cost of repairs. Mothballing is not a term that is recognised. Assets are held following decommissioning for possible sale to other friendly and allied Governments. These assets are not operationally ready and they are not declared in our declared force levels. To maintain these assets prior to sale, the minimum amount of maintenance is performed on them to keep them seaworthy and safe.
	The cost of maintaining the Upholder Class submarines before their reactivation is commercially sensitive and I am withholding the information in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Former Royal Navy Vessels

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to preserve serving (a) aircraft carriers and (b) landing craft platforms for the nation; and if he will establish such as the basis for a museum.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has no plans to preserve any of the current serving aircraft carriers as a museum when they are taken out of service. Similarly there are no such plans for the Landing Platform Dock (Assault) ships HMS Intrepid and HMS Fearless which were withdrawn from service in July 2001 and March 2002 respectively. As normal practice, ex-service assets are disposed of to maximise the receipt to the taxpayer. While the Ministry of Defence is supportive of work carried out by military museums, the preservation of ships is mainly carried out by charitable trusts.

Territorial Army

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the strength is of the Territorial Army in Scotland; and what the MOD is doing to recruit more soldiers into the TA.

Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to encourage recruitment to the Territorial Army.

Lewis Moonie: The strength of the Territorial Army (TA) in Scotland as at 30 April is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Officers 474 
			 Other ranks 4,190 
			  
			 Total 4,664 
		
	
	As I said in my answer on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 828W, to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin), the current strength of the TA, including those mobilised on operations and on full-time reserve service, almost exactly matches the overall target size of the TA set as a result of the Strategic Defence Review. It is, therefore, in good shape, although there are some specific areas where numbers fall short of target, most notably the Army Medical Service (TA). The "Time to get fitTA" awareness campaign launched in December last year received a good response, although the overall effectiveness of the campaign will not be known until the new figures come out later this year. The annual National Recruiting Campaign which concluded on 18 May with TA Day, and a further Regional Recruiting Campaign to be launched in the autumn, are excellent opportunities for the general public to find out more about the TA. The aim of these campaigns is to keep the TA in its currently healthy state and under current plans they will continue to be a significant feature of the TA recruiting operation.

Angola

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assistance his Department has (a) offered and (b) given to the Government and armed forces of Angola with regard to the planned integration of the UNITA rebel forces into the regular army; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assistance his Department has (a) offered and (b) given to the Government and armed forces of Angola (i) from April 2000 to April 2002 and (ii) since April 2002; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The assistance the Ministry of Defence provides to Governments and armed forces overseas is co-ordinated closely with that provided by other Government Departments. In the case of Angola, no assistance has been offered or given by MOD to the Government and armed forces, either during the time frame in question or in support of the planned integration of UNITA forces. However, Her Majesty's Government remain in close contact with the Angolan Government, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Africa, and international partners, and have offered to the Government of Angola an opportunity to visit Sierra Leone to see at first hand the challenges of integrating ex-combatants. MOD will, of course, be involved as appropriate with this initiative, should it go ahead.

Regional Organisation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what regional organisation his Department has; and if he will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002;
	(2)  which of the agencies and NDPBs sponsored by his Department have a regional organisation; and if he will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Lewis Moonie: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

BioReliance

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what purpose officials from his Department visited BioReliance in Stirling at the end of 2001; what other organisations were visited on the same basis; and on what dates these visits took place.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 23 May 2002
	During November and December 2001 representatives from Dstl Porton Down and the Medical Supplies Agency visited the facilities of the following biotechnology companies to discuss the procurement of a vaccine against smallpox: Excel Biotech on 12 November 2001, Q1 Biotech on 3 December 2001, BioReliance on 4 December 2001 and Powderject on 7 December 2001. In addition to these visits they also had discussions in London with Bavarian Nordic on 30 November 2001 and Acambis on 19 December 2001.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press releases have been issued by his Department in each month of 2002.

Lewis Moonie: The information requested is in the following table:
	
		
			 Month Year Press Releases 
		
		
			 January 2002 17 
			 February 2002 20 
			 March 2002 22 
			 April 2002 17 
			 May (2)2002 09 
		
	
	(2) Information to 27 May only
	The figures relate only to those Press Releases issued by the Ministry of Defence's central Press Office. In addition to these, the single Services, the regional defence press offices and Defence Agencies also issue Press Releases. They also reissue some central Press Notices for local distribution. Accurate figures on these, which take account of any "duplicate releases", could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press releases were issued by his Department (a) in each month between May and December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive.

Lewis Moonie: The information requested is in the following tables:
	Press releases issued from May to December 1997:
	
		
			 1997 Press releases 
		
		
			 May 13 
			 June 13 
			 July 23 
			 August 7 
			 September 23 
			 October 34 
			 November 28 
			 December 35 
		
	
	Press releases issued from 1998 to 2001 inclusive:
	
		
			  Press releases 
		
		
			 1998 202 
			 1999 276 
			 2000 238 
			 2001 150 
		
	
	These figures relate only to those press releases issued by the Ministry of Defence's central press office. In addition to these, the single services, the regional defence press offices and defence agencies issue their own press notices. They also re-issue some central press notices for local distribution. Accurate figures on these, which take account of any "duplicate releases", could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Skill Force

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the pilot Skill Force scheme.

Lewis Moonie: The Skill Force scheme forms part of the Ministry of Defence's contribution to our wider Government social exclusion policies. The initiative aims to prevent young people from feeling long-term disaffection with school and society. It is currently being piloted in 11 areas and in 47 schools in England and Scotland. Discussions are currently being held with a view to extending the pilot to Wales.
	A feature of the scheme is the use of recently retired service personnel as instructors for selected children in years 10 and 11 in a number of state secondary schools; and this has proved very effective. Skill Force emphasises instruction in vocational subjects with the aim of acquiring the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network modular vocational award at bronze/silver level. Participants also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award; St. John's Ambulance Young Life Saver's award and the OCR First Certificate in Preparation for Employment. The Skill Force scheme is funded by MOD, Department for Education and Skills (DfES), HM Treasury's Invest to Save Budget and local partners.
	An integral part of the Skill Force pilot scheme has been rigorous and independent evaluation by the British Market Research Bureau. The most recent evaluation report, based on the two original schemes that started in September 2000 in Newcastle and Norfolk, has been completed. The report has shown that Skill Force has helped to maintain attendance rates of over 90 per cent. among children who would otherwise have been expected to display sharply declining attendance, sometimes leading to exclusion, through years 10 and 11. Exclusions from these schools have been reduced by 72 per cent. compared with those predicted by the head teachers at the start of the scheme.
	The Skill Force initiative has been supported by DfES from the outset, with the Invest to Save Budget bid being made jointly by the MOD, Home Office and DfES. In response to the Government's Street Crime Initiative, Skill Force is one of the schemes 11 local education authorities have been invited to consider to help them to deliver part of DfES's Behaviour Improvement Programme. A decision from the London education authorities on whether they wish to use Skill Force is expected shortly.

Devonport

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if the Trident refit complex at Devonport, Plymouth has received all the necessary certificates from the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate;
	(2)  what the estimated total cost is to complete the Trident refit complex at Devonport, Plymouth.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 31 January 2002, Official Report, column 502W.

Urban Warfare

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research programmes are being carried out by the Government (a) unilaterally and (b) in partnership with other Governments into the development of (i) non-lethal weapons and (ii) new techniques and equipment for use in urban warfare.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has few research programmes that specifically address non-lethal weapons. There are, however, a wider variety of research programmes that might be considered to contribute to non-lethal capabilities, details of which I am withholding under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The MOD's main non-lethal weapon is the baton round which is employed in forces world wide.
	Work into alternatives to baton rounds and a broader range of public order equipment is currently under way and is being led by the Northern Ireland Office. This is in response to recommendations in the Patten report and from the Association of Chief Police Officers, who are looking to enhance the police's range of less lethal weaponry.
	On the question of international partnerships, the United Kingdom does not collaborate with any Government on non-lethal technologies. However, it does have information exchange agreements with both the US and our European partners. No research programmes in the fields of non-lethal weapons or new techniques and equipment for use in urban warfare are being carried out by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with foreign Governments.
	On the development of techniques and equipment for use in urban warfare, it is not yet clear to what extent the UK will be involved in fighting in these areas in the future. We are, however, undertaking a number of studies into how existing and planned equipment and doctrine could be developed for use in an urban environment.

Basil Hill Barracks

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to dispose of the underground facilities at Basil Hill Barracks at Corsham.

Lewis Moonie: There are no current plans to dispose of the underground facilities at Basil Hill Barracks Corsham. However, the Ministry of Defence has commissioned an option study in connection with the landholdings, as part of the intention to rationalise site operations at Corsham.

Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if cadets at the RMA Sandhurst are to receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

Lewis Moonie: In accordance with the published qualifying criteria for the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, if cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst had completed at least five years qualifying service on 6 February 2002, the date of the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession, they will receive the medal. While those cadets who have entered the Academy direct from full-time education will not qualify, those who have had previous non-commissioned military service, either as a regular or as a member of the Volunteer Reserve Forces, prior to entering Sandhurst may have completed sufficient qualifying service to receive the medal.

Management Consultants

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what projects have been undertaken by management consultants on behalf of his Department since 1997, stating in each case (a) the title of the project, (b) the contractor, (c) the value of the contract, (d) when the project started, (e) when the project was completed and (f) the outputs received by his Department.

Lewis Moonie: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Bullying

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many payments he has made in the past three years to members and former members of HM armed forces in compensation for ill-treatment, bullying or harassment experienced while serving; and what the total cost was in each year.

Lewis Moonie: The number of claims settled and the total amounts paid in the past three years to members and former members of HM armed forces in compensation for ill-treatment, bullying or harassment experienced while serving are set out in the table:
	
		
			  Bullying/ill treatment Sexual harassment Racial harassment  
			  Claims settled Paid (£) Claims settled Paid (£) Claims settled Paid (£) 
		
		
			 1999–2000 9 34,533 6 49,165 17 132,373 
			 2000–01 2 31,000 3 15,000 1 37,500 
			 2001–02 0 0 1 50,000 1 20,000

Bullying

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Special Investigation Branch investigations into bullying and harassment are in progress; and what regiments are involved.

Adam Ingram: A total of six investigations, where bullying or harassment has been alleged, are in progress with the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch worldwide.
	The units that are involved are:
	School of Electrical and Aeronautical Engineering
	23 Pioneer Regiment
	Queens Royal Lancers
	28 Engineer Regiment
	26 Engineer Regiment.

Missing Firearms

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions he has reached following the RMP investigation into the theft of an automatic pistol from Grosvenor Barracks in February; what weapons have been reported missing from the Royal Irish Regiment in the past two years; how many disciplinary actions have been taken following (a) theft and (b) loss of firearms; and what the outcome was in each case.

Adam Ingram: The investigation into the loss of a pistol from Grosvenor Barracks, Enniskillen on 8 March 2002 is still going on. There are no other reports of any weapons missing from the Royal Irish Regiment armouries in Northern Ireland over the last two years. I am withholding details of the result of internal investigations or any resultant disciplinary action in accordance with Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Initiation Rites

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in halting degrading and demeaning initiation rites and ceremonies in HM armed forces; and in what regiments these practices are known to persist.

Adam Ingram: If any degrading or demeaning initiation ceremonies were found to exist they would be dealt with swiftly. It is made routinely clear to all armed forces personnel that forcing compliance with initiation rites is classed as bullying and is quite unacceptable. The new armed forces diversity policy goal will aim to achieve an environment free from harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination, in which all have equal opportunity and encouragement to realise their full potential. This position is reinforced through single service values and standards and equal opportunities policies, and was reflected in the Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct issued to all personnel in January 2000, where clear guidance was given on what is considered inappropriate personal behaviour within the armed forces. All of these measures are, of course, regularly reviewed and reinforced as necessary.

Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of members of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have applied to leave the regiment in the past two years.

Adam Ingram: It is not possible to provide figures for 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers only as they are not recorded separately to the 1st Battalion. The figures shown in the table, therefore, represent both the 1st and 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
	
		
			   Outflow  
			 Financial Year Total Percentage 
		
		
			 Soldiers   
			 2000–01 166 14.2 
			 2001–02 146 13.4 
			 Total 312 — 
			
			 Officers   
			 2000–01 2 1.4 
			 2001–02 7 4.7 
			 Total 9 —

Howe Barracks

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received concerning the conduct of off duty RIR soldiers from the Howe Barracks in Kent; how many soldiers have been arrested and charged with drug-related offences; how many disciplinary actions have been taken in the barracks in the past two years; and what the outcome was in each case.

Adam Ingram: There have been three cases of complaint involving off duty soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment (1 R Irish) at Howe Barracks in the last two years. Within the same time frame, one soldier has been charged under the military system for possession of drugs and one soldier was arrested by the civil police, also for possession of drugs. There have been a total of 35 case of disciplinary action taken in the barracks in the past two years. The particulars of the cases are detailed as follows.
	
		
			 Offence Total return Action taken 
		
		
			 Absence without leave (AWOL)(3) 21 One reduced in ranks 
			   One fined £350 
			   19 given military detention from 07–50 days 
			 Disobedience to standing order 1 Reprimand 
			 Abusive behaviour 1 Fined £250 
			 Threatening superior officer 1 Fined £200 
			 Loss of ID card 1 Dismissed 
			 Violent disorder 1 Referred to higher authority 
			 Assault 1 Referred to higher authority 
			 Drunkenness 1 Compensation to offended party 
			 Theft 1 Military fine £280.41 
			 Offering violence 1 Dismissed 
			 Using threatening language 1 14 days detention 
			 Battery 1 Dismissed 
			 Conduct prejudice to good conduct and military discipline 2 Dismissed 
			 Possession of controlled drug 1 42 days detention 
		
	
	(3) Personnel who have been absent for over 24 hours
	This does not include minor offences, such as poor turnout or inadequate fitness, which are dealt with at company level.

Absence Without Leave

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (a) how many and (b) what proportion of soldiers in each regiment of HM forces went absent without leave in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001; and what measures he plans to take in response.

Adam Ingram: The total number of soldiers who went absent without leave (AWOL) over the last three years is as follows:
	
		
			 Year Total 
		
		
			 1999 2,077 
			 2000 2,722 
			 2001 2,662 
			  
			 Total 7,461 
		
	
	These figures represent those AWOL cases which were reported to the Royal Military Police (RMP) and are recorded on the database. The actual number of cases may differ to those recorded as some will have been dealt with at unit level where the absence was for a short period only.
	It has not been possible to break the figures down by regiment as this information is not held centrally. The central database held by the RMP records total numbers only, therefore, a further breakdown by regiment could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	In an attempt to address the AWOL issue, the Army commenced a pilot scheme in September last year in London called "Reclaim Your Life". The aim of the scheme was to provide a bridge between the absentee and the Army by using a volunteer member of a service charity as an initial point of contact. It was thought that many absentees would be more prepared to return to their unit if they were better informed of the likely disciplinary consequences. This scheme is to be relaunched with greater publicity this year.

Absence Without Leave

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (a) how many and (b) what proportion of soldiers going absent without leave in the last 12 months for which figures are available have alleged that they were victims of bullying or harassment; how many of these allegations led to disciplinary action against the perpetrators; and what the penalties were in each case.

Adam Ingram: In the last 12 months, taken as January to December 2001, the figures for those personnel going absent without leave (AWOL) are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Total absentees (4)2,662 
			 Total returned to unit (4)675 
			 Total charged with AWOL-related offences (5)129 
			 Total alleging bullying as contributory factor (5)9 
			 Total alleging bullying as contributory factor 1.3 per cent. 
			 Disciplinary action taken and penalties (6)Nil return 
		
	
	(4) Figures provided by Central Criminal Records and Intelligence Office (CCRIO) at Chichester.
	(5) Figures provided by Personal Services 2 (Army) Post Trials Section. Of these there are two recorded investigations by Royal Military Police but neither allegation was substantiated following investigation and therefore no prosecutions resulted.
	(6) Bullying per se is not a recorded crime and any such offence would be recorded as Assault within CCRIO. It is difficult to filter the data to determine whether a service man who had returned from AWOL had alleged harassment since these issues would be recorded separately.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to his Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed;
	(2)  what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to his Department; and what assistance is given by officials in his Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 478W, to the right hon. Member for Berwick- upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith).

Helicopters

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy vessels are at sea without their Lynx helicopters; and what the shortfall is in helicopters for the Royal Navy.

Adam Ingram: As at 23 May there are three vessels at sea not engaged on front line duties which do not have Lynx embarked (HMS Newcastle, HMS Norfolk and HMS Montrose). The Royal Navy has its full required operating fleet of 116 helicopters of various types, and the required level of spare aircraft. There is no overall shortfall.

Helicopters

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures the Government are taking to (a) increase the lives of rotor heads for helicopters, (b) decrease the manufacturing period and (c) ensure that enough spare parts are available for the front line and reserve.

Adam Ingram: A number of factors influence rotor head life including the helicopter's operational role and weight, any changes to capability during its service, the vibration environment of the helicopter and the cost and ease of maintenance. We continue to work closely with industry to improve the techniques and materials used in the manufacture of rotor heads, and gain a better understanding of the stress under which the rotor head operates. These initiatives are designed both to increase the life of the rotor heads and reduce manufacture lead times. Helicopters now entering service, for example Merlin, benefit from this work.
	We are also embarking on a number of innovative partnering arrangements with industry that focus both on greater reliability and improved component performance. More broadly based work to improve the responsiveness of the Defence Supply Chain will also enhance helicopter logistics, and ensure that we are better able to support front line forces.

Helicopters

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the DLO to increase helicopter performance and numbers.

Adam Ingram: My right hon. Friend has regular discussions concerning a wide range of logistic support issues including helicopter performance.

Helicopters

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the shortfall in operational helicopters has had on front-line forces; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Problems with Lynx main rotor heads have obliged the Joint Helicopter Command to review helicopter deployments, and Lynx helicopters in the rapid reaction forces not currently deployed on operations are subject to restrictions on the number of hours that can be flown. In addition, to protect front line operations and the flying training programme, some ships not on front line service are currently at sea without an embarked Lynx helicopter.

Helicopters

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters under the Joint Helicopter Command are grounded; and for what reason.

Adam Ingram: None. The term "grounded" is normally used only when a whole fleet or mark of aircraft is identified as unsafe to fly because of specific serious engineering or airworthiness problems that call into question the safety of the aircraft type. More generally, the number of aircraft available to operational commanders can vary on a daily basis as aircraft move in and out of maintenance.

Defence Procurement

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with which countries the Government have Memoranda of Understanding on defence procurement.

Lewis Moonie: The list of nations with which the Government have Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on defence procurement based on available records is shown as follows. It includes countries with which we have concluded MoUs on either defence equipment co-operation, specific equipment projects or sales of equipment.
	Australia
	Austria
	Bahrain
	Belgium
	Brazil
	Brunei
	Canada
	Chile
	Czech Republic
	Denmark
	Egypt
	Finland
	France
	Germany
	Greece
	Hungary
	India
	Indonesia
	Israel
	Italy
	Japan
	Jordan
	Kuwait
	Malaysia
	Netherlands
	Norway
	Oman
	Pakistan
	Philippines
	Portugal
	Qatar
	China
	Romania
	Saudi Arabia
	Slovenia
	South Africa
	South Korea
	Spain
	Sweden
	Switzerland
	Thailand
	Turkey
	United Arab Emirates
	United States of America.

Defence Aviation Repair Agency

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what written instructions the Chief Executive of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency has given to employees of that agency on speaking to their Members of Parliament or local councillors.

Adam Ingram: In December 2000, the Chief Executive issued guidance through a memorandum to his employees on contact with MPs as follows:
	"It is a citizen's right in the UK to write to his/her constituency MP on any subject. This absolute right never has or will be challenged in the DARA. Internal correspondence, however, must not be copied to MPs. Any communication with MPs is through Minister (Armed Forces), and via the CE of the Agency. There are no exceptions to this Ministerial direction. If any DARA employee wishes to have an issue raised with their MP, this should be communicated privately from their home address."
	No other memorandum has been sent to the workforce since that issue, and the guidance remains unchanged.

QinetiQ

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is to QinetiQ of its sponsorship of the QinetiQ1 manned space balloon.

Lewis Moonie: Although QinetiQ is currently owned by the Ministry of Defence, the sponsorship of the QinetiQ1 manned balloon altitude record attempt is a commercial activity undertaken by the company, and no defence funding is committed to this venture. For commercial reasons the company has chosen not to put the cost of their participation in QinetiQ1 into the public domain, and therefore I am withholding the information requested under Exemption 13 of the code of practice on access to government information, which relates to the maintenance of commercial confidences.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Lewis Moonie: Under the Ministry of Defence's equal opportunities policy discriminatory practices, procedures, decisions or actions in recruitment based on gender, marital status, race or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, age, disability or anything else unconnected with an individual's ability to do the job are unacceptable.
	When advertising for civilian staff it is the MOD policy that age limits do not appear in adverts, except when they can be fully justified in terms of allowing the MOD time to benefit from any training investment it might need to make.
	The Armed Forces regard the ability to recruit sufficient people of the right age as critical in order to retain the correct balance of youth and experience required to maintain operational effectiveness. All three Services keep the age limit criteria for entry under regular review. Maximum age limits are imposed in order to maintain a balanced age/rank structure, with individuals benefiting from a visible career structure. The Services wish to recruit individuals who are operationally fit and are likely to give a good return of service. When considering upper age limits, the length and cost of training an individual is also taken into consideration.

Armed Forces Pensions

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal advice he has sought on the administration of armed forces pensions, regarding section 315 of the Income and Corporation Tax Act 1988 and preceding laws, since 1972.

Lewis Moonie: Since 1998, when the Ministry of Defence first recognised the current problem with the mistaken taxation of attributable service invaliding pensions, it has sought legal advice on a number of aspects of the application of the Income and Corporation Tax Act (ICTA) 1988, or preceding laws. These have centred on establishing clearly the nature and extent of our responsibilities for remedying the effects of the error, in particular in the following areas:
	Clarification of the specific application of the Act and its predecessors to those receiving a pension under the armed forces pension scheme as a result of being invalided from service.
	Clarification of the eligibility of different categories of dependant of a deceased pensioner for a refund in respect of the mistaken taxation of the deceased's pension.
	Clarification of the MOD's responsibilities for tracing surviving dependants, or estates of individuals who died before refunds of tax could be made.
	The extent of the Government's legal responsibility to backdate refunds, outside the normal Inland Revenue six-year time limit.
	Where the MOD has required more general advice on the implications of tax law for pensions paid under the AFPS, such as on the original legal basis of the tax exemption of invaliding pensions, this has been sought from the relevant Inland Revenue policy branch, who have the primary responsibility for tax law.
	Information prior to 1998 would require extensive research and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces Pensions

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to ensure that individuals who have been identified as having been incorrectly taxed on retired pay awarded since 1952 have been correctly reimbursed in accordance with section 315 of the Income and Corporation Tax Act 1988 and preceding statutes which shared the same wording.

Lewis Moonie: The reimbursement of armed forces pensioners identified as having been taxed incorrectly falls to the Inland Revenue and as such, no steps of the manner the hon. Gentleman describe are taken by the Ministry of Defence. On identifying a pension that has been taxed in error, the Ministry of Defence does, however, provide full details to the Inland Revenue of the annual pension paid from the date upon which an error occurred, so that any reimbursement due can be correctly calculated and paid.

Porton Down

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animal experiments, broken down by recorded category, were carried out at Porton Down in 2001.

Lewis Moonie: Dstl Porton Down submits annual returns to the Home Office detailing the number of procedures undertaken which involve the use of animals.
	In the year 2001 a total of 12,955 procedures were returned to the Home Office by Dstl Porton Down. As defined in the Home Office recorded category of primary purpose: 7,074 of these procedures were undertaken for fundamental biological research; 5,674 of the procedures for applied studies—human medicine; 108 procedures for the protection of man, animals and the environment and 99 procedures for direct diagnosis.

Chinook ZD576

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the parameters provided to Boeing for its simulation of the final five seconds of Chinook ZD576.

Adam Ingram: Boeing was provided with data extracted from navigation equipment on the aircraft, data from the report of the Air Accidents investigation Board report, and information about the aircraft and its load.

Chinook ZD576

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he estimates that the heading and track of Chinook ZD576 was represented with complete accuracy in the simulation conducted by Boeing; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Boeing simulation assumed a straight flight path at an angle of 20 degrees climb and with 30 degrees nose up pitch altitude.

Chinook ZD576

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's estimate is of the speed and rate of climb of Chinook ZD576 (a) 30 seconds prior to the initial point of impact, (b) five seconds prior to impact and (c) at the point of impact; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Board of Inquiry considered data extracted from the aircraft's systems, the AAIB technical report, the flight path simulations from Boeing Helicopters and a separate investigation from the Defence Research Agency Bedford, together with witness evidence. The board concluded that it was most likely that while approaching the Mull of Kintyre the aircraft was established in a steady climb, with a ground speed of between 160 and 275 kts, until approximately four seconds before impact. The aircraft then flared to an attitude of 30 degrees nose up, and finally impacted with a ground speed of 147 kts.

Chinook ZD576

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he estimates that the all-up weight of Chinook ZD576, including variables, was represented with complete accuracy in the simulation conducted by Boeing; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what his Department's estimate is of the all-up weight of Chinook ZD576, including variables and passengers, baggage and fuel, at (a) 30 seconds prior to the initial point of impact, (b) five seconds prior to impact and (c) at the point of impact; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The estimated all-up weight of Chinook ZD576 at take off was 38,720 lbs, which included fuel weighing 6,776 lbs. At impact the estimated all-up weight of the aircraft was 37,620 lbs. The weight of the aircraft at any given point during the flight reflects the amount of fuel used by that point. Boeing conducted their simulation of the last five seconds of flight against a gross aircraft weight figure of 37,700 lbs at this point.

Chinook ZD576

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's estimate is of the heading and track of Chinook ZD576 (a) 30 seconds prior to the initial point of impact, (b) five seconds prior to impact and (c) at the point of impact; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The flight plan indicated a route to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse and then a course change to port on a track following the western shore of the Mull. The first waypoint or landmark the pilots entered on the on-board navigation computer was the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. At 0.95 nautical miles, or about 20 seconds from impact the crew released the computer from the fix on the lighthouse and set it to indicate the bearing and distance to the next waypoint at Corran 87 miles to the north. The preserved data held by the navigation system indicated that the aircraft was very close to the direct track from RAF Aldergrove to the lighthouse when the waypoint change was made. There is no evidence of any significant change of course before the impact.

Chinook ZD576

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement setting out the reasons why a simulation was commissioned for the investigation into the final flight of Chinook ZD576.

Adam Ingram: As part of the investigations into the crash of Chinook ZD576, Boeing the aircraft manufacturers were asked to conduct simulations to model the likely flightpath profiles during the final seconds prior to impact. The House of Lords Select Committee was critical of certain aspects of these simulations, which did not include full FADEC parameters. As part of our promised full response to the Select Committee's report, Boeing have been tasked to revisit their original analysis to include a full FADEC simulation.

Chinook ZD576

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will publish the information, other than the parameters issuing from the AAIB technical report, that was provided to Boeing for the purposes of the simulation of the final seconds of the flight of ZD576;
	(2)  what level of accuracy Boeing stated it achieved in its simulation of the manoeuvres of the final five seconds of flight of Chinook ZD576, in the outline report Boeing presented to his Department to accompany the simulation results;
	(3)  if he will place in the Library copies of the information that was provided to Boeing by the (a) MOD, (b) RAF Board of Inquiry and (c) AAIB for the purposes of constructing a simulation of the final seconds of the flight of Chinook ZD576;
	(4)  what values were used by Boeing for matching to the final aircraft attitude in its simulation of the final five seconds of the flight of Chinook ZD576; and if he will list the values established as 100 per cent. verifiable from the wreckage of the aircraft in respect of (a) rotor speed, (b) rotor torque, (c) rudder pedal and (d) initial rate of climb set by the pilots.

Adam Ingram: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Chinook ZD576

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who commissioned the original Boeing simulation of the final seconds of the flight of ZD576.

Adam Ingram: The Air Accidents Investigation Branch for the RAF Board of Inquiry.

Canberra PR9

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the replacement of the capabilities provided by the Canberra PR9.

Adam Ingram: The Canberra PR9 reconnaissance aircraft is an important element of our overall capability. We are currently looking at ways in which the aircraft's particular capabilities can be provided in the future. Our thinking will be informed by the Strategic Defence Review New Chapter work.

Israel

Tony Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British-made military equipment has recently been supplied to Israel.

Lewis Moonie: Information relating to exports of new and surplus military equipment in major categories to individual countries is published in Part III of the Government's annual reports on strategic export controls, copies of which are available from the Library of the House. The 2001 report is currently being prepared.

Afghanistan

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department received reports and representations from the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the conditions of fighters held in Shibergan prison in Afghanistan; and what action his Department has taken.

Geoff Hoon: We have not received such reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross, although we understand the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have received the EU Special Representative's report on the camp. Security considerations have so far prevented British embassy staff in Kabul from visiting these prisons. But they are in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which closely monitors the situation and welfare of all prisoners in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether aircrew and aircraft maintenance staff on non-UK aircraft leased for the transport and supply of UK forces in Afghanistan are security-cleared.

Geoff Hoon: I am withholding details of security arrangements in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Afghanistan

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what acclimatisation measures are necessary for operations in mountain terrain; what acclimatisation measures were taken by Royal Marines in preparation for action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Acclimatisation for operations in mountain terrain depends, in the first instance, on personal physical fitness. As the British armed forces mountain and cold climate specialists, the Royal Marines pay particular attention to this at all times. More specifically, they undertake annual mountain training in climbing, navigation and 'living' techniques, and every year a detachment spends three months training in Norway.
	It is standard requirement for units to undertake pre- operational acclimatisation training. Prior to commencing operations, personnel of 45 Commando were deployed to Afghanistan for up to 10 days. This period ended with Operation Ptarmigan, which gave our forces vital experience of operating in Afghanistan.
	As a result of this careful planning, the number of cases of ill-effects from altitude and cold reported by 45 Commando have been well within the predicted parameters.

Afghanistan

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to ensure that logistics and supply of forces in Afghanistan are not compromised by unserviceable C17 transport aircraft; what extra costs have been incurred as a result of unserviceable C17 aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Throughout operations in Afghanistan, C17 aircraft have flown missions continuously, performing fully up to our expectations and meeting predicted serviceability parameters. Consequently, no extra costs have been incurred as a result of unserviceable C17 aircraft.

Afghanistan

Matthew Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians have been (a) killed and (b) injured in the military action in Afghanistan to date; how many of these have been children; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 12 December 2002, Official Report, column 860W, to my hon. Friends the Members for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) and for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham).

NLAW Programme

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the decision to award the Saab Bofors Dynamics team the preferred supplier status for the NLAW programme.

Lewis Moonie: Saab Bofors Dynamics Ltd (SBD) was selected as the preferred bidder for the armed forces Next Generation Light Anti-Armour Weapons (NLAW) following a competition. Selection of the Saab weapon, known as MBT-LAW, presents an excellent opportunity for United Kingdom industry and is expected to create or sustain more than 500 jobs across the United Kingdom. The weapon also has significant export potential.
	The programme is being undertaken in collaboration with the Kingdom of Sweden, enhancing our ties with an EU partner. A memorandum of understanding between our two Governments for the development and production of MBT-LAW is due to be signed shortly.
	This competition has been an excellent example of smart acquisition and demonstrates how an effective capability can be achieved at affordable cost.

NLAW Programme

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the anti-armour capability is of British Army infantry regiments.

Adam Ingram: The British Army infantry's anti-armour capability is currently provided by the MILAN Anti-tank Guided Missile System and the Light Anti-Armour Weapon (LAW 94mm).
	This capability will be enhanced with the introduction of the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System (LF ATGWS) which will replace MILAN between 2005 and 2008 and the Next Generation Light Anti-Armour Weapon (NLAW) which will replace LAW 94mm in 2007.

JTIDS

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) present and (b) future Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm aircraft will be fitted with JTIDS; and at what cost.

Adam Ingram: Joint tactical information and distribution system (JTIDS) capability is being fitted to Sea King AEW and Nimrod R and, on current plans, Eurofighter, Nimrod MRA4, ASTOR, A400M and the future strategic tanker will come into service fitted with this capability. The cost of fitting and supporting these aircraft is estimated to be of the order of £560 million. In the longer term, new aircraft types, such as the future joint combat aircraft, are expected to have this capability.

Tornado F3 Fleet

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further upgrade work will be undertaken on the Tornado F3 fleet; and what the planned cost is of this upgrade work.

Adam Ingram: The Tornado F3 fleet is currently undergoing or planned to undergo, a number of upgrade activities that will maintain the aircraft's operational capability for the remainder of its in-service life. The work comprises integration of secure communication equipment, a successor identification friend or foe system, an instrumentation enhancement to aid training and a programme to maximise the effectiveness of the advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM).
	It is estimated that the total cost of these upgrade programmes will be approximately £125 million.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the length is of the training period required for Harrier GR7 pilots to qualify for flying operations from aircraft carriers.

Adam Ingram: The additional training required to qualify Harrier GR7 pilots for aircraft carriers combat ready (Day) and (Night) status has historically taken a minimum of 16 aircraft carrier based flying days during which 15 day time sorties and five night time sorties must be accrued. The night sorties must be undertaken within 72 hours of the last day time sortie. The length of time to complete this training can vary, as it is aircraft carrier availability and weather dependent. It would be rare for the training to be completed within 16 days, however, on occasions when optimum operating conditions have been experienced, some pilots have qualified in a slightly shorter time.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum number of Harrier GR7 pilots is that can be trained for aircraft carrier flying operations at any one time.

Adam Ingram: The maximum full front line strength of the three operational Harrier GR7 squadrons is 48 pilots and it is unlikely that there would be a requirement to train more than that number. 36 pilots are currently qualified to fly operations from aircraft carriers. Training to enable Harrier GR7 pilots to conduct aircraft carrier based operations is usually conducted as part of a Squadron's routine training programme. The maximum number of pilots that could be trained for aircraft carrier operations at any one time is dependent on a wide range of factors. These include aircraft carrier availability, operational tempo, pilot requirement for such training, weather conditions and completing training priorities, themselves dictated by anticipated operational requirement.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether all new Harrier GR7 pilots will be trained for aircraft carrier flying operations.

Adam Ingram: It is planned that all RAF Harrier GR7 pilots will be trained for aircraft carrier operations at some stage during their first front line tour. All RN Sea Harrier FA2 pilots migrating to the Harrier GR7 will undertake aircraft carrier based training after completing conversion and a Combat Ready work up syllabus.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Harrier GR7 pilots are trained for operations from aircraft carriers; and what plans he has to increase the numbers of Harrier GR7 pilots trained for flying operations from aircraft carriers.

Adam Ingram: There is currently an established front line strength of 48 Harrier GR7 pilots, of which 75 per cent., 36 pilots, are currently qualified to fly operations from aircraft carriers. There are currently no plans to increase that ratio.

Harrier

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken, following the announced early retirement of the Sea Harrier FA2 from service, to ensure that the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force benefit from a common standard of upgraded engine across the Harrier aircraft fleet, with the objective of improving the aircraft's performance and operational efficiency and reducing its cost of ownership.

Adam Ingram: We do not currently plan to upgrade the Pegasus engines of the full Harrier GR fleet, as the current partial fleet fit with the upgraded engines fulfils all our operational requirements. While there could be some operational and logistical benefits in a full Harrier fleet engine upgrade, the benefits over the partial fit would be marginal and are not sufficient to outweigh the substantial costs involved, particularly in view of the aircraft's out-of-service date. Our decision to retire the Sea Harriers from service does not alter this position.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost per aircraft is of upgrading the Harrier GR7 to GR9 standard.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2002, Official Report, columns 1166–67W to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin).
	We will be able to determine the cost per aircraft of the Harrier GR7 upgrade when the total programme cost is finalised.

Harrier

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when work to upgrade Harrier GR7 to GR9 will commence; how many aircraft are planned to be upgraded; and what the yearly delivery schedule is for the upgraded aircraft.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 168W.
	The yearly delivery schedule for the Harrier GR9 has yet to be determined.

Harrier

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to identify the author of the letter published in The Times on 13 May signed as from Paul Hamblin and Don Holland.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence established on the day of publication that the signed authors of the letter were not members of the armed forces. We informed The Times newspaper that day.

PRIME MINISTER

Recruitment

Julian Lewis: To ask the Prime Minister how many net additional staff his Office has recruited in each month since June 2001 at (a) executive officer and (b) administrative level.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 556W.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Prime Minister how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 23 May 2002, Official Report, columns 561–63W.

MOD Pensions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 658W, if MOD pensioners may continue to draw cash at post offices if they have an account with the Halifax Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland or Clydesdale Bank plc under the revised arrangements introduced from April.

Tony Blair: The facility to draw cash at post offices for the 2 per cent. of armed forces pensioners affected by the revised arrangements does not extend currently to the accounts with any of these banks. As I stated in my answer to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr. Gray) on 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 658W, pensioners may continue to draw cash at post offices subject to having an account with the Alliance and Leicester, Barclays, Cahoot, Lloyds TSB, Smile or the Co-operative bank. This facility also applies to pensioners who have First Direct accounts, although restricted solely to those residing in Scotland.
	From April 2003, however, as part of the universal banking services package, all of the main United Kingdom banks, including those listed in the question, have agreed to make their basic accounts, which include the facility to draw cash, available at post offices.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Prime Minister if his Office has a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, today.

TRANSPORT

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Airline Group about the (a) technical issues at and (b) the financing of NATS.

David Jamieson: NATS' financial position is regularly discussed by all parties concerned—NATS, the Airline Group, the Government as the other main shareholder, the Civil Aviation Authority as regulator and the banks. All are making a contribution to ensuring that NATS has a robust financial structure for the foreseeable future.
	Technical issues are operational matters for NATS.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the implications for future air traffic volumes if NATS delivers its investment plan;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the impact on NATS' ability to take advantage of the commercial freedoms offered by the European Union's Single European Sky Policy of a lack of an investment plan.

David Jamieson: NATS recently announced a £1 billion investment plan, detailing its strategic and operational direction for the next decade. This positions the company for the fundamental changes that are expected to take place in European air traffic management over the next 10 to 15 years and gives it the headroom needed to handle safely a further 1 million flights a year by 2011.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the status is of negotiations to increase investment by other parties in NATS; and what commitments the Government have made in connection with its intention to invest further sums of money in NATS.

David Jamieson: The competition for a new investor in NATS is being run by the company's chairman on commercially confidential terms.
	As a responsible shareholder in NATS, the Government have said that they would be prepared to match appropriate third party investment.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many reports the HSE has issued in connection with the NATS in (a) 2002, (b) 2001, (c) 2000 and (d) 1999.

David Jamieson: HSE has sent only one report to NATS since the beginning of 1999. That was the one by its expert on display screen equipment on the risks to the health of those operating the air traffic control system at Swanwick following a visit in January 2002.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002 the HSE has been notified of problems at NATS.

David Jamieson: NATS is a large organisation operating at many locations throughout the country. Since the beginning of 1999 NATS has notified HSE of 16 reportable accidents nationally. A yearly breakdown follows. In order to protect complainants and because not all may be justified, HSE does not disclose the number of complaints it receives concerning individual employers.
	
		
			  Accidents 
		
		
			 1999 5 
			 2000 6 
			 2001 5 
			 2002 0

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the reports by the Health and Safety Executive on IT systems in operation at Swanwick and West Drayton.

David Jamieson: HSE has already sent a copy of its report on the operation of IT systems at Swanwick to the employer, NATS, and to the representatives of the relevant employees in accordance with its duty to keep them informed about matters affecting their health and safety. HSE will endeavour to release the report more widely. However there are statutory restrictions on the disclosure of information obtained by HSE in pursuance of its powers and at present they still apply to this report.
	I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am able to give him any further information on this issue.
	There is no corresponding report on the operation of the display screen equipment at West Drayton air traffic control centre.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the effects of the IT patterns at the Swanwick air traffic control centre on air traffic volumes;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with National Air Traffic Services concerning IT problems at Swanwick and West Drayton;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the likely reliability of IT systems at Swanwick and West Drayton over the summer;
	(4)  what assurances he has received from the Airline Group about the reliability of NATS IT systems;
	(5)  what steps the Government have taken to assess the reliability of the air traffic control systems at Swanwick.

David Jamieson: Responsibility for the air traffic control systems at Swanwick and West Drayton rests with NATS. NATS has successfully implemented solutions for the recent problems at these centres and have given assurances that they are doing everything they can to ensure that their systems are resilient. Safety was not compromised in any way.

Air Traffic Control

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when Swanwick will assume responsibility for all air traffic services from the centres at Manchester and West Drayton; and what conditions will need to be met before this takes place.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for NATS. I understand that subject to detail planning, the Manchester and West Drayton air traffic services will be moved to Swanwick by 2008.

Air Traffic Control

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with and representations he has received from (a) the Health and Safety Executive, (b) the Health and Safety Commission, (c) the Civil Aviation Authority, (d) National Air Traffic Services and (e) other organisations relating to health and safety issues associated with the operation of air traffic control centre at Swanwick; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No such discussions or representations have taken place.

Air Traffic Control

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what impact the financial position of National Air Traffic Services is having on the building of the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Duncan) on 23 January 2002, Official Report, columns 862–63W.

Manchester Airport

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent approaches Manchester Airport plc has made to his Department to alter departure routes from Manchester airport.

David Jamieson: None.

Aviation Security

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment the Government have made of (a) the draft EU regulation on establishing common rules in the field of aviation security and (b) the recommendation of the European Parliament that member state Governments should meet an equitable share of the costs of airport security.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government are fully committed to the establishment of common rules for aviation security throughout Europe and regards the agreed measures in European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Document 30 as the appropriate basis for doing so. It welcomes the EU initiative, which will aid compliance and views many of the amendments proposed by the European Parliament as useful clarification.
	However, the UK firmly believes that the financing of aviation security should be for each individual state to determine. It is for aerodromes and airlines to decide how best to comply with the regulation within the context of the UK National Aviation Security Programme, and how associated costs are passed on to the user. This system has been used to good effect in the UK for many years.

Infrastructure Projects

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proposals for (a) airports, (b) runway extensions and (c) airport terminal extensions of which he has been notified fall within the category of major infrastructure projects as defined in the Government's consultation paper, New Parliamentary Procedures for Processing Major Infrastructure Projects.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The forthcoming series of regional consultation documents on airports and air services will present a range of options for airport development for the next 30 years. Decisions taken following the consultation will lead to an Air Transport White Paper which we aim to publish towards the end of the year.
	At present, proposals for airport development are subject to the requirements of the land-use planning system. Under the proposals for New Parliamentary Procedures for Processing Major Infrastructure Projects set out in the December 2001 consultation paper, only those projects of national importance which are designated by the Secretary of State, in the light of the definition proposed in annex C of the consultation paper, will be put to Parliament as major infrastructure projects for their consideration in principle. Designation of these projects will be on a case by case basis under the proposed new legislation.

Heathrow Airport

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work his Department has done into the technical feasibility of additional runway capacity at Heathrow.

David Jamieson: The South East and East of England Regional Air Services Study (SERAS) has examined and appraised a wide range of development options for terminal and runway capacity at existing airports and new sites.
	The technical study has now been completed. It would be inappropriate to comment on the status of the options considered at this stage. We intend to launch a full public consultation on the final shortlist of options early in the summer.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action the Department will take in relation to the OECD's Maritime Transport Committee's proposals to eradicate substandard shipping.

David Jamieson: I welcome the OECD Maritime Transport Committee's (MTC) policy statement on substandard shipping. The MTC plays an important role in supporting the efforts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and others to eliminate substandard shipping. The policy statement is also a welcome contribution to the International Quality Shipping Campaign, in which the UK plays a leading role. That campaign sets out to eradicate substandard ships through a combination of market action and state action. The UK and like minded flag states will pursue in the IMO the proposals in MTC's policy statement.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the length of time taken by the Maritime Coastguard Agency in approving stability information on the ferry P&OSL Canterbury.

David Jamieson: P&OSL Canterbury joined the UK shipping register in the summer of 1998. Her stability information booklet (SIB) had been approved in 1992 by the French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) on behalf of her previous flag administration, the Bahamas. As BV are a classification society authorised by the UK, and the Bahamas is a reputable flag, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) followed established procedures and accepted the stability information on the basis of the previous approvals, and without any further detail checks, by marking the document "provisionally approved".
	At no time has the vessel not had approved stability information complying with international standards.
	The vessel was preparing for a programme of model testing to demonstrate compliance with the "Stockholm Agreement" standards for stability with the car deck flooded, and a routine displacement check was carried out in November 2000. A number of amendments to the SIB were eventually required and the owner's consultant submitted a "SIB Addendum" on 8 November 2001 which was approved on 16 November, within the MCA's charter standard time for document approval.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 149, how many of the merchant ships which have joined the UK shipping register have met the target of increasing UK cadet numbers by 25 per cent. each year.

David Jamieson: We are collecting information from individual companies that have joined the tonnage tax regime on the action they have taken to ensure they meet their 1:15 training commitment.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the regulations governing ship classification societies regarding the inspection and certification of oil tankers entering British territorial waters.

David Jamieson: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency as the administration for United Kingdom registered ships, monitors classification society performance where statutory surveys are concerned and, in their role as port state control inspectors, ensures that oil tankers entering United Kingdom territorial waters comply with international regulations.
	Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 which details Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil, is transposed into UK legislation by the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1996. In September 2002, the UK will be implementing substantial amendments to these regulations which will include the establishment of a schedule accelerating the phase out of single hull tankers. They will also detail a rigorous new quality test to be applied by classification societies, known as the condition assessment scheme, applicable to single hull oil tankers of 20,000 deadweight tonnes and above.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many groundings of boats in Scottish waters have been attributed to the watchkeeper falling asleep in (a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998, (e) 1999, (f) 2000, (g) 2001 and (h) 2002 to date.

David Jamieson: The information is as follows:
	
		
			   Total Fishing vessels Merchant vessels  Deaths Vessel lost 
		
		
			 1995 6 5 1 1 2 
			 1996 6 5 1 1 1 
			 1997 4 4 — — 1 
			 1998 2 — 2 — — 
			 1999 4 4 1 — — 
			 2000 2 2 — — 1 
			 2001 4 4 — — 1 
			 2002(7) 1 1 — — — 
			 Total 29 24 5 2 6 
		
	
	(7) To date

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of trends in the number of lives lost at sea in UK waters.

David Jamieson: The trends for the number of lives lost in UK waters remain static when compared to incident numbers. However, even one death is too many. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are, therefore, currently undertaking incident prevention pilot studies in each of their three regions in order to assist in the formulation of a long-term incident prevention strategy. This strategy will address ways of reducing accidents, deaths resulting from accidents, false alarms and hoax calls.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many lives have been lost at sea in UK waters in each year since 1990.

David Jamieson: A breakdown of the number of lives lost in UK waters for each year 1990 to 2001 is as follows.
	
		
			  Lives lost 
		
		
			 1990 295 
			 1991 201 
			 1992 210 
			 1993 262 
			 1994 272 
			 1995 232 
			 1996 216 
			 1997 251 
			 1998 249 
			 1999 251 
			 2000 236 
			 2001 284

Merchant Navy

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the cost of upgrading and revalidation of maritime certificates of competence for unemployed merchant seamen will be met by the Merchant Navy Training Provider.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	SMarT support is paid at fixed rates representing approximately 50 per cent. of the average course costs. This is made available through the Merchant Navy Training Provider (MNTP) for the revalidation of certificates of competency.

Merchant Navy

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many persons resident in Scotland have received assistance through the Merchant Navy Training Provider to upgrade and revalidate certificates of competency.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	To date, six unemployed people with an address in Scotland have received SMarT funding through the Merchant Navy Training Provider (MNTP).
	Note:
	The MNTP has only been running since January this year.

Braer

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission an independent third party to review the evidence available concerning the loss of the tanker Braer.

David Jamieson: Marine Accident Investigation Branch inspectors have fully considered the material submitted to them in respect of the Braer and the chief inspector of Marine Accidents has concluded that the material does not provide grounds for reopening the investigation into the grounding of the vessel.

Ferry Services

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 14 May 2002, Official Report, column 519W, on ferry services, on what dates and in what locations discussions regarding the EU directive on minimum conditions of service and wages for seafarers took place; what documents were submitted by the UK Government in the course of such discussions; and who represented the UK on each occasion.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Discussions on the Commission's draft EU ferry- manning directive have taken place at the European Transport Councils on the following dates:
	20–21 December 2000 in Brussels (Lord MacDonald represented the UK)
	9–10 December 1999 in Brussels (Lord MacDonald represented the UK)
	30 November to 1 December 1998 in Brussels (my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Glenda Jackson) represented the UK)
	17–18 June 1998 in Luxembourg (my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East and Musselburgh (Dr. Strang) represented the UK).
	The outcome of the latest European Transport Council discussion was reported in the other place by the then Minister for Transport (Lord MacDonald) on 1 January 2001, Official Report, columns WA 116–18. The UK Government have not submitted any documents for these discussions, which have concerned the Commission's draft proposal.

Multi-Modal Studies

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the costs are of the London to South West and South Wales Multi-Modal Study, broken down by (a) staff and (b) other costs.

David Jamieson: The total cost of the London to South West and South Wales MMS is £1.812 million (excluding VAT). This figure incorporates (a) staff and (b) other costs.

Multi-Modal Studies

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will respond to the MIDMAN multi-modal study.

David Jamieson: I will respond to the recommendations of this study once we have received advice from both the West Midlands Local Government Association and North West Regional Assembly.

Aerial Tramways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the viability of aerial tramways in the UK.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	None. It is for local authorities in England to examine all relevant modes of transport to determine the most appropriate solutions for their areas in the context of their local transport plans. My Department undertakes a detailed assessment of any proposal based on the NATA (New Approach To Appraisal) to ensure that any scheme put forward provides not only value for money but also meet wider integrated transport objectives. Separate arrangements, which are outside my Department's responsibility, apply in the rest of the UK and in London this would be a matter for the Mayor and Transport for London.

Severn Crossing

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what policy guidance exists on procedures for restrictions of traffic and closures of the M48 Severn crossing; whether the closures of the M48 Severn crossing are monitored and recorded; and whether a risk assessment of the M48 Severn crossing during adverse weather conditions has been carried out.

David Jamieson: Operational procedures for restrictions of traffic and closures of the M48 Severn bridge during high winds are agreed between the Avon and Somerset police and the Highways Agency.
	Closures are decided by the police, who monitor them by surveillance camera. Severn River Crossing plc keep a record of bridge closures and also monitor wind speeds with anemometers positioned on the bridge.
	Current procedures are based on over 30 years of experience of the effect of wind speed and direction on the various types of traffic using the crossing. The Highways Agency is investigating the scope for a formal risk assessment of traffic behaviour on the Severn bridge during adverse weather conditions.

Park and Ride Schemes

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on promoting park and ride schemes; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Government recognise that, under the right circumstances, park and ride can make a valuable contribution to alleviating congestion, improving the environment and promoting accessibility and travel choice. A number of high quality schemes have been introduced in recent years. Such schemes are carefully sited and accessible, offer safe and secure parking, provide clean and comfortable buses and offer a high frequency of service and fast journey times. Local authorities are being encouraged to consider the role that park and ride can play in their local transport plans. The English Historic Towns Forum, in conjunction with my Department, published the current edition of "Good Practice Guide on bus-based Park and Ride" in May 2000.

Cherished Plates

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cherished plates have been transferred in (a) Angus and (b) Scotland in each of the last five years.

David Jamieson: No information is kept on the number of cherished plate transfers for Angus. However, Angus is included in the catchment area for the DVLA local office at Dundee. During the last five years, the Dundee office has processed the following number of transfer applications:
	
		
			  Transfer applications processed 
		
		
			 1996–97 3,261 
			 1997–98 3,389 
			 1998–99 3,565 
			 1999–2000 3,771 
			 2000–01 3,714 
		
	
	The combined number of applications processed by all five DVLA local offices in Scotland (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness) for the same period was:
	
		
			  Transfer applications processed 
		
		
			 1996–97 21,267 
			 1997–98 22,415 
			 1998–99 23,961 
			 1999–2000 25,748 
			 2000–01 27,928

Road Risk

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Work-Related Road Safety Task Group concerning occupational road risk.

David Jamieson: Further to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan) on 25 February 2002, Official Report, column 801W, I have recently received advice from the Health and Safety Commission on the recommendations made by the Work-Related Road Safety Task Group which we are now considering. A copy of that advice has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Cones Hotline

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many calls the Cones Hotline received in each year since 1995, how many staff were employed on full-time and part-time contracts; and what the running costs for the service were in each year since 1997.

David Jamieson: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	The Cones Hotline was discontinued in November 1995.

Birmingham North Relief Road

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what the total projected cost was of the Birmingham North Relief Road agreed between his Department and the consortium that is responsible for it;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of changes to road usage that will arise from the opening of the Birmingham North Relief Road;
	(3)  what estimates have been made of the total annual revenue from the Birmingham North Relief Road.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from G. Rainbow to Mr. Chris Grayling, dated 10 June 2002
	The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked Tim Matthews to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the projected cost of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (now known as the M6 Toll Road), the changes to road usage that will arise from the opening of the road and estimates of total annual revenue from it. I am replying in Tim's absence on official business.
	Under the Concession Agreement between the Department and the consortium building the road, Midland Expressway Ltd. (MEL), the cost of constructing the M6 toll falls to MEL as the concessionaire, MEL has awarded a Design and Construct contract for the project to the CAMBBA Construction Group at a cost of £485.5m. MEL will also bear additional costs to cover scheme preparation, land acquisition and financing. The total costs are a commercial issue for MEL and no total projected cost has been agreed with either the Department or the Highways Agency.
	Estimates of changes to road usage because of the M6 Toll were presented in evidence at the Public Inquiry for the scheme. Briefly, it is expected that much of the long distance traffic presently travelling through the West Midlands on the very congested M6 motorway will transfer to M6 Toll. That transfer will allow released capacity on the M6 to be used by traffic currently using congested trunk and local roads within the M6 corridor, thus relieving their overall traffic burden. Traffic flows are expected to increase on some routes which provide access to the new motorway; for example, some sections of the A453 and A5127.
	Estimates of the total annual revenue from the M6 Toll are a commercial matter for MEL as Concessionaire and no details are available.
	If you require any further information, Richard Willson, the Highways Agency's Project Manager for the M6 Toll scheme, would be pleased to help. He can be contacted at the Agency's offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1BL, or by telephone on 0121 678 8267.

Environmentally Friendly Cars

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions his Department has had with vehicle manufacturers to encourage the development of more environmentally-friendly cars.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	DTLR together with the DTI, DEFRA and the Treasury published "Powering Future Vehicles, a draft Government Strategy", setting out and inviting comment on the Government's proposals for promoting the development, introduction and take-up of environmentally friendly low-carbon vehicles and fuels. As part of the consultation, the four Ministers held a major discussion seminar with all the stakeholders in the shift to low-carbon transport, including vehicle manufacturers. We are very grateful for their input to the development of the strategy, which includes the setting up of a Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, involving vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders in the strategy's implementation. The final Powering Future Vehicles strategy will be published shortly.

Biodiesel

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of fuel sold in the UK in 2001 was biodiesel; and what proportion of overall fuel sales his Department estimates will be biodiesel in (a) 2002, (b) 2003, (c) 2004, (d) 2005 and (e) 2006.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Currently, we estimate biodiesel production to be approximately 0.1 per cent. of road transport diesel consumption in 2001. The Government expect this figure to rise substantially with the introduction of a 20p fuel duty reduction for biodiesel. Preliminary projections collected from the industry suggest that existing and planned production would represent around 1.5 per cent. pure biodiesel by 2003, likely to be used as a 5 per cent. blend with conventional diesel. The Government have made no further estimates beyond this date.

Biodiesel

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what percentage of new cars sold in the last 12 months (a) were capable of running on biodiesel and (b) had diesel engines.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	(a) Nearly all diesel car manufacturers warranty their new vehicles to run on blends of at least 5 per cent. biodiesel. Some manufacturers warranty their vehicles at higher blending levels.
	(b) The Department's own figures show that 17.83 per cent. of new cars sold in the last 12 months were diesels.

Road Schemes

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which current proposals for road schemes in excess of 30 kilometres in length are (a) in the targeted programme for improvement, (b) recommended by multi-modal studies and (c) supported in local transport plan settlements.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no road schemes in excess of 30 km in length in the targeted programme of improvements, nor have any local authority schemes of this length been fully or provisionally approved since local transport plans were introduced in 1999. The West Midlands to North West multi-modal study has recommended on-line widening of the M6 between junctions 11a and 19 (a distance of 81 km). The north/south movements in the East Midlands multi-modal study as recommended on-line widening of the M1 between junctions 21 and 28 (40 km). Neither recommendation includes new sections of road.

Mobile Home Owners

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions further to his answer of 16 May 2002, Official Report, column 802W, on mobile home owners, since when compensation booklets have been made available at public exhibitions, inquiries and on request to those whose property may be required or affected by road construction.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Compensation booklets have been publicly available since 1973. The current booklets that advise owners of mobile homes about the new regulations under which they may claim a noise payment in respect of new road schemes have been available to the public since August 2001.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many names and addresses of vehicle owners and keepers have been disclosed by the DVLA to third parties by virtue of that party showing reasonable cause for the disclosure over the last three years; if he will break down these disclosure statistics by categories of reasonable cause; and if he will make a statement on the number of cases where disclosure has been subsequently shown to be not for a reasonable cause, with the action taken in these cases.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of "reasonable cause" inquiries resulting in the release of vehicle keeper details held on the DVLA register during the last three years was:
	
		
			 Year Number 
		
		
			 1999–2000 883,522 
			 2000–01 955,484 
			 2001–02 1,001,421 
		
	
	The majority of requests are from insurance companies and finance houses in respect of insurance claims and vehicle-related loan arrangements. The remainder are from solicitors, car parking enforcement companies and members of the public. Statistics relating to specific categories of "reasonable cause" are not recorded.
	The information commissioner has powers under the Data Protection Act to prosecute anyone who knowingly or recklessly obtains information without consent. Any disclosure subsequently used for a purpose other than that stated in the application is referred to the information commissioner to investigate. Seventeen such cases in the last three years have been referred to the information commissioner.

Vehicle Registration Numbers

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to allow third parties to be granted entitlement to a retained vehicle registration number; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I plan to extend the vehicle registration number retention facility to cater for third party entitlement as soon as the necessary powers can be obtained. My officials are scanning the legislative programme for an opportunity to take this forward.

Vehicle Registration Numbers

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the value of sales by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for the sale of cherished number plates in each year since 1997.

David Jamieson: Gross receipts from the sale of personalised registration numbers for each year from 1996–97 were as follows:
	
		£ million 
		
			 Financial year Revenue 
		
		
			 1996–97 44.95 
			 1997–98 57.47 
			 1998–99 64.92 
			 1999–2000 66.89 
			 2000–01 79.58 
			 2001–02 91.78 
		
	
	Revenue is inclusive of VAT, assignment fees and other fees for the extension of rights or the later addition of nominees.

Vehicle Taxation (Disabled People)

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the criteria are for eligibility for exemption from taxation of vehicles used by disabled people; whether such exemption will be extended to non-disabled people who make occasional use of the vehicle; and what evidence there is of abuse of the concession.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Eligibility for exemption from paying Vehicle Excise Duty is available in respect of vehicles kept or used for the purposes of those claiming disability living allowance at the higher rate or war pensioners' mobility supplement. There are in addition a number of people who claim exemption under the former Disabled Passenger Scheme via attendance allowance. This was abolished in 1993 but those entitled to exemption from paying Vehicle Excise Duty at the time have remained eligible.
	There are no plans to extend eligibility for the exemption.
	It has long been recognised that there is potential for abuse of the system. The responsibility for addressing abuse lies with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Work and Pensions. Approximately 250 cases per month are referred to DVLA for investigation, but in no more than a handful of cases each year is the entitlement rescinded.

A5 (Road Accidents)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people have been (a) killed and (b) injured in road traffic accidents along the A5 road between Shrewsbury and Wrexham in each year since 1992.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of people (a) killed and (b) injured between Shrewsbury and the Wrexham turning from the A5 are shown in the table.
	
		Number of casualties on A5 between Shrewsbury(8) and the turning for Wrexham(9) 1992 to 2000
		
			  Killed Injured 
		
		
			 1992 2 76 
			 1993 7 83 
			 1994 1 70 
			 1995 5 66 
			 1996 2 119 
			 1997 3 74 
			 1998 1 58 
			 1999 5 71 
			 2000 1 85 
		
	
	(8) The roundabout at the junction with A458.
	(9) The roundabout at the junction with A483.

M25

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the accident record of junction 13 of the M25 over the last five years.

David Jamieson: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	In the five years up to July 2001 67 personal injury accidents have been reported at this junction. Of these five have been serious and the rest slight. There have been no fatalities. Some 72 per cent. of the accidents over this period have been nose to tail shunts.
	The number and severity of accidents at this junction are similar to those recorded at other motorway junctions with high volumes of traffic.
	Last summer the Highways Agency took action to improve driver awareness of the layout by enhancing the signing at this junction. It is too early to conclude how effective this has been in reducing the number of accidents. Traffic signals are due to be installed at the junction as part of the widening of the M25 between Junctions 12 to 15. The road markings are to be renewed shortly and further improvements to the signing are currently being considered. In the meantime the Highways Agency will continue to monitor the situation.

M4

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the impact of the M4 bus lane on (a) motorcyclists, (b) traffic speeds at off-peak hours and (c) congestion between Junction 4 and Junction 7 of the M4;
	(2)  when he will publish the results of his consultation on the use of the M4 bus lane.

David Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Fiona Mactaggart, dated 10 June 2002
	I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the M4 Bus Lane.
	The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) monitored use of the Bus lane during its first year of operation including the effects of the bus lane on off-peak traffic and congestion to the west of Junction 4. A copy of their report was placed in the House of Commons Library in January 2001.
	The effectiveness of the bus lane has been closely monitored by the Highways Agency. They reported that it continues to alleviate peak congestion on this busy section of the motorway. However they recommended that the scheme could be improved by raising the speed limit between junction 4 and the elevated section to 60 mph and allowing motorcycles to use the lane designated for buses and taxis.
	Accident monitoring since the bus lane was introduced in June 1999 indicate that motorcycles are now slightly more at risk in peak periods. The numbers involved are small, but we believe that safety for motorcyclists will be improved by allowing them to use the bus lane.

Roads

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the cost of making junction 20 of the M6 fully directional;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the cost of building the proposed M556;
	(3)  what plans he has to reduce traffic flows on the A556 between junction 19 of the M6 and the M56.

David Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. George Osborne, dated 10 June 2002
	The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked me to reply to your three recent Parliamentary Questions about the cost of building a new motorway link between the M6 in the vicinity of J19 and the M56 in the vicinity of J7, plans to reduce traffic flows on the A556, and the cost of making Junction 20 of the M6 Motorway fully directional.
	At the time of the Government's trunk roads review of 1998 the estimated cost of constructing the A556(M) was £100m. The cost-estimate is currently under review as part of the A556 Area Study being carried out to inform the West Midlands to North West Conurbations Multi-Modal Study (MIDMAN) consideration. The purpose of MIDMAN was to develop an overarching strategy for transport between the conurbations.
	The Highways Agency is currently undertaking the A556 Area Study in support of the MIDMAN Multi-Modal Study, which is also exploring different options for a link between Junction 19 of the M6 and Junction 7 of the M56. Reduction of traffic flows and the associated environmental relief to communities along the A556 are key aims. That report is expected to be completed this Summer.
	A scheme, which would make Junction 20 of the M6 fully- directional is currently being investigated as part of the A556 Area Study. The cost-estimate is currently being developed and will form part of the final report on that Study.
	I hope this is helpful. If you would like any further information about these issues, please contact Gerald Cooper, Room 703, Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BE (telephone 0161–930 5640).

Road Safety

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many children have been (a) killed and (b) seriously injured in each year since 1997 in road traffic accidents as a result of failing to wear seat belts.

David Jamieson: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	These data are not collected because of the difficulty in establishing accurately, after the event, whether seat belts were worn.

Vehicle Safety

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on pedestrian protection in relation to the tests developed by the European Enhanced Vehicle Safety Committee.

David Jamieson: The UK will continue actively to support the work of the EEVC working group on pedestrian protection. It is intended that methods developed by this group will be used to assess new car designs against the requirements of the proposed negotiated agreement with the motor industry on pedestrian protection.

Drivers' Hours Regulations

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the EU draft regulations on drivers' hours on the UK livestock industry.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	My Department carried out an extensive public consultation exercise on the European Commission proposal to amend the existing European Union (EU) drivers' hours rules as part of our consideration of the likely impact of this proposal on UK industry. Those consulted include DEFRA, the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association, the National Farmers' Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, Farmers Union for Wales, and the Dairy Industry Federation.

Drivers' Hours Regulations

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what meetings he has had with his counterparts in the other nations of the EU to discuss the impact of the EU draft regulations on drivers' hours on the animal transport industry within the UK.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	None. There is to be an orientation debate on this issue at the Transport Council on 17 June which will provide the opportunity for Ministers from all member states to express their views. In the meantime, discussions will continue to take place at official level.

Drivers' Hours Regulations

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the (a) Scottish Executive, (b) National Assembly for Wales and (c) Northern Ireland Assembly on the impact on the UK livestock industry of the EU draft regulations on drivers' hours.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	My Department carried out an extensive public consultation exercise on the European Commission proposal to amend the existing European Union (EU) drivers' hours rules. The Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive were invited to contribute.

Safety Cameras

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the new criteria are for the siting of safety cameras under the netting off scheme; on what research the new criteria were based; and if he will place a copy of the research in the Library.

David Jamieson: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell), on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 623W.

Speed Cameras

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if it is his policy to restrict the siting of speed cameras to sites where serious accidents have already taken place.

David Jamieson: Guidance on deployment for the siting of cameras is contained in Circular Roads 1/92 which states that cameras should be placed at sites with a history of speed related accidents. That remains key advice to local authorities.

ILO Convention

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the UK's compliance with its obligations under the International Labour Organisation Convention 147.

David Jamieson: The UK ratified ILO Convention Number 147 in 1980. The UK Government ratifies international conventions only when it is satisfied that measures are in place to ensure compliance. The Government has also ratified the Protocol of 1996 to that Convention, which extends the list of other conventions with which signatory states must comply.

Correspondence

Brian Mawhinney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a substantive reply to his letter of 28 March on behalf of his constituent Mr. J. Germany.

Alistair Darling: I apologise for the delay in providing a substantive reply to the right hon. Member of North-West Cambridgeshire's letter of 28 March on behalf of your constituent Mr. J. Germany. My predecessor explained in his reply of 10 April 2002 that Mr. Germany raised some complex issues and that it would take some time to explore these and respond in some detail. However, a full response will be sent today.

Private Finance Initiative

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many non-PFI capital projects fall under the responsibility of his Department and related NDPBs; and what the capital value and nature is of each project.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	In respect of DTLR the information requested can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Private Finance Initiative

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many PFI capital projects fall under the responsibility of his Department and related NDPBs; what the capital value and nature is of each project; and what stage they are at in the PFI procurement process.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested in respect of the former DTLR is set out in the table.
	
		
			  PFI Project Capital value (£ million)  Nature of project  Stage in PFI procurement process 
		
		
			 Highways Agency—A69 9 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—A1(M) 128 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—A417/419 49 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—A50 21 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—A30/35 75 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—M40 65 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—A19 29 Road Operational 
			 Highways Agency—M1-A1 Link Road 214 Road Operational 
			 Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre 3 Catering Operational 
			 Highways Agency—Traffic Control Centre 85 IT Contract awarded and under construction 
			 Vehicle Inspectorate—MOT Computerisation 31.4 IT Contract awarded and under construction 
			 Health and Safety Laboratory—Estate Rationalisation 63 Laboratory Contract awarded and under construction 
			 Highways Agency—A1(M) Dishforth to Darrington (10)240 Road In procurement (best and final offer stage) 
			 Health and Safety Executive—Merseyside Accommodation (11)50 Office accommodation In procurement (awaiting responses to invitation to negotiate) 
			 Highways Agency—A249 Stockbury to Sheerness (10)75 Road and bridge In procurement (pre-qualification stage) 
			 Highways Agency/Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber/Traffic Area Network—Leeds Accommodation (10)30 Office accommodation In procurement (expression of interest stage) 
			 Maritime and Coastguard Agency—helicopter harmonisation (with Ministry of Defence)(12) Not known Search and rescue helicopters Pre-procurement (harmonisation options under consideration) 
		
	
	(10) This is an estimated figure for the construction cost.
	(11) This is an estimated figure for the capital cost.
	(12) PFI is one of the options under consideration.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the EC-Bulgaria Joint Transport Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	This Committee is established under the provisions of Article 13 of the Agreement of 26 July 2000 between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of combined transport. The remit of the Committee is to ensure the proper implementation of the Agreement. The Committee would be made up of representatives appointed by the Community and Bulgaria. But I am not aware that it has met since the conclusion of the Agreement or that there are any plans for it to meet in the immediate future.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Committee on the movement of air or sea passengers' baggage (principles) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	I have not been able to identify this committee from the information in the hon. Member's question.

Network Rail

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guarantees concerning (a) the state of the track and signals and (b) future safety are being sought by the consortium, Network Rail.

John Spellar: I have been asked to reply.
	Network Rail has sought no such guarantees.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is his policy to modify the provisions of the Railways Act 1993 in relation to Railway Administration.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no current plans to do so.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the requirement in the Commercial Loan Agreement for the Railtrack administrator to repay commercial loans in September.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Under Clause 11.1.1 of the Commercial Loan Agreement, repayment is due on the earlier of, the date notified to the agent as being the date expected to fall seven days before a transfer scheme is made or if no transfer scheme is made, an Alternative Railway Transfer, or discharge of the Railway Administration Order, or 23 September 2002 or the date which is the next business day following any date to which the availability period is extended. The availability period is defined as the period from (and including) financial close to (and including) 20 September 2002 or such later date as may be determined pursuant to Clause 5.5 of the Commercial Loan Agreement.

Railways

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the number of trained staff in Scotland on the implementation of the Strategic Rail Authority's plan in Scotland.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Strategic Rail Authority has recognised the need for improvements in training within the industry and is taking the lead on the development of a National Rail Academy, to promote the development of the key skills and competencies needed to run a railway on a safe and effective basis. The SRA has provided £500,000 for development work.

Rail Service (Edinburgh)

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects passenger rail services to begin between Edinburgh Waverley and the proposed Edinburgh Park station.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	I am not aware that a date has been set. I understand that a formal bid will be put forward to the Strategic Rail Authority for Rail Passenger Partnership funding, the initial proposal having pre-qualified. The Strategic Rail Authority will assess the bid on value for money terms in line with their published planning criteria. The outcome of that process will determine how and when the scheme progresses.

Island Line

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has for adding the Island Line to the London to Portsmouth railway franchise.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	At the time the South West Trains franchise replacement process commenced the Strategic Rail Authority considered that the best solution for the Island Line was that it should become A separate micro- franchise. The authority is currently giving further consideration to the future of the Island Line in the light of the consultants' report on future options produced in September 2001 and will make a further announcement in due course.

Crossrail

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 29 April 2002, Official Report, column 567W, on Crossrail, who the key stakeholders involved in the consultation period are; how the consultation will be carried out; and who will be funding the consultation process, and at what financial cost.

David Jamieson: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	The key stakeholders which are about to be consulted on the shortlisted Crossrail route options are "line of route" local authorities, development partnerships and significant businesses, either individually or through their representative bodies.
	The consultation will be carried out by Cross London Rail Links Ltd., who will be distributing a consultation document, and providing individual and group briefings and presentations as appropriate. I am arranging for a copy of the stakeholder consultation document to be placed in the Library.
	The cost of the stakeholder consultation exercise is included in Cross London Rail Link's Crossrail project development budget, and has not been broken down separately.

Road Bridges

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures he intends to take to improve road bridges over railway lines as a result of the Great Heck accident.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Minister for Transport announced in the House on 25 February 2002, Official Report, columns 803–04W, that we had accepted all the recommendations in the reports of the Health and Safety Commission and the Highways Agency into the various issues involving road vehicles obstructing the railway following the Great Heck road/rail accident. There are five streams of work arising from these recommendations:
	the development of a protocol for apportioning responsibility and costs of improvements made at locations where roads meet, cross or run close to railways;
	the development of tools and data for use at the local level to assess the risk of vehicles leaving the road and getting onto the railway;
	the development of good practice guidance on measures to help manage risk at specific sites;
	identification of the relevant information that it would be practicable and useful to collect about incidents where road vehicles get onto railway property; and
	updating the standards for safety barriers on major roads in a clear and open procedure.
	Representations from highway authorities, rail infrastructure authorities and rail safety organisations are supporting this Department in taking forward the recommendations. Our first priority is the protocol on responsibilities and costs which we aim to have agreed by the end of June 2002 and the Minister for Transport has asked for a report on progress on all streams of work by the end of July 2002.
	Any measures taken as a result of this work will be the responsibility of the highway authorities and rail infrastructure authorities.

Rail Bridges

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with the risk assessment of rail bridge safety he ordered as a result of the Great Heck incident.

David Jamieson: We have accepted all the recommendations in the reports of the Health and Safety Commission and the Highways Agency into the various issues involving road vehicles obstructing the railway following the Great Heck road/rail accident. Representatives from highway authorities, rail infrastructure authorities and rail safety organisations are supporting this Department in taking forward work on:
	the development of a protocol for apportioning responsibility and costs of improvements made at locations where roads meet, cross or run close to railways.
	The development of tools and data for use at the local level to assess the risk of vehicles leaving the road and getting onto the railway; and
	the development of good practice guidance on measures to help manage risk at specific sites.
	Our first priority is the protocol on responsibilities and costs which we aim to have agreed by the end of June 2002 and the Minister for Transport has asked for a report on progress on all streams of work by the end of July 2002.
	We have also endorsed the prioritisation tool produced by Railtrack and the CSS (formerly the County Surveyors' Society) and have encouraged highway authorities and rail infrastructure authorities to use it on the bridges for which they are responsible.
	Any measures taken as a result of this work will be the responsibility of the highway authorities and rail infrastructure authorities.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with British Transport Police regarding possible incidents involving track (a) maintenance and (b) vandalism at (i) Severn tunnel junction, (ii) Bristol parkway and (iii) other locations since January 2000; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	None. There have been no discussions between the Department and British Transport Police (BTP) on specific incidents. However, I understand from BTP that they and the Health and Safety Executive work together closely on them.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the proposed railway safety body will be established; what its remit is; what the role of (a) contractors and (b) sub- contractors will be within this body; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) are consulting on a proposed licence modification which would enable the proposed railway industry safety body (RISB) to be established without primary legislation. The RISB would take the role of an industry safety body as recommended by Lord Cullen in his part 2 report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry. The involvement of contractors and sub- contractors in the decision-making processes of RISB forms part of ORR's consultation. If there is agreement to proceed by way of a licence change modification, ORR expect RISB to be in place by the end of the year.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the proposed rail accident investigation body will be established; what its remit is; what the expected role of (a) contractors and (b) sub-contractors will be within this body; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	We expect to consult this summer on proposals for the establishment of an independent rail accident investigation branch (RAIB) before publishing the necessary primary legislation. The remit of the RAIB will be subject to consultation but will reflect the recommendations made by Lord Cullen in his part 2 report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry. The role of contractors or sub-contractors within RAIB would be as witnesses, when appropriate, during investigations.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many incidents of motor vehicles colliding with trains on railway lines at level crossings there have been in each year since 1997; in which locations; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Incidents of motor vehicles colliding with trains on railway lines at level crossings since 1997 is as follows:
	
		
			 Year Number 
		
		
			 1997–98 24 
			 1998–99 27 
			 1999–2000 24 
			 2000–01 24 
			 2001–02 16 
		
	
	The locations of these incidents are as follows:
	
		
			  Location 
		
		
			 1997–98  
			 12 April 1997 Greenland Mill 
			 26 April 1997 Glanyrafon 
			 25 June 1997 Oaks Occ 
			 26 June 1997 Okeltor 
			 22 July 1997 Dingwall Middle 
			 28 July 1997 Moat Farm No. 1 
			 9 August 1997 Saxondale 
			 23 August 1997 Berthddu 
			 12 September 1997 Holywell, Newsham 
			 12 September 1997 Club Lane 
			 29 September 1997 Holywell Aocl 
			 12 October 1997 Blackhill UWGT 
			 13 October 1997 Washwood Heath 
			 18 October 1997 St. Mary's Road, Dymchurch 
			 9 December 1997 Glanyrafon 
			 29 December 1997 Star Crossing, Rye 
			 10 January 1998 Lechryd 
			 15 January 1998 Swineshead AHB 
			 18 January 1998 Toddington 
			 24 January 1998 Trafford 
			 10 February 1998 York 
			 11 March 1998 Swineshead AHB 
			 11 March 1998 Shaws Crossing 
			 29 March 1998 Holywell 
			 1998–99  
			 15 April 1998 Miltonise 
			 23 April 1998 Marchwood 
			 12 May 1998 Ardrossan Princes AOCL 
			 14 May 1998 Sutton Forest AHB 
			 8 June 1998 Callerton Parkway Crossing 
			 8 June 1998 Bye Farm Crossing 
			 11 June 1998 Brora 
			 26 June 1998 Dolfawr Farm 
			 1 July 1998 Trout Farm 
			 11 July 1998 Uttoxeter 
			 18 July 1998 Millom 
			 29 July 1998 Muir of Ord 
			 29 August 1998 Three Gates 
			 8 September 1998 Fron Goch 
			 8 September 1998 Stoke Creek 
			 14 September 1998 Crabtree Lane 
			 20 September 1998 Marina 
			 24 September 1998 Wainfleet AHB 
			 7 November 1998 Hamsey 
			 10 November 1998 Sands Lane 
			 2 December 1998 Gypsey Lane 
			 5 December 1998 Hibaldstow 
			 8 December 1998 Llanwrda 
			 22 December 1998 Coles Harbour 
			 4 January 1999 Cwmbach Sidings 
			 12 January 1999 Bertram Drive 
			 21 March 1999 Hixon 
			   
			 1999–2000  
			 1 April 1999 British Cellophane 
			 3 May 1999 Rose Lane 
			 20 May 1999 Whitegate Farm 
			 31 May 1999 Allanfearn 
			 21 June 1999 Low Mill 
			 28 June 1999 Trencreek 
			 1 July 1999 Blackwood 
			 15 July 1999 Snaith Station 
			 25 July 1999 Marsh Lane 
			 26 July 1999 East Guldeford 
			 29 July 1999 Gorsey Lane 
			 3 August 1999 Dingwall Middle 
			 20 August 1999 Ynys Uchaf 
			 22 August 1999 Dalfaber 
			 28 August 1999 Black Dyke 
			 2 September 1999 Bretts 
			 2 September 1999 Battery Road, Dungeness 
			 4 September 1999 Manorbier 
			 29 October 1999 Llanbrynmair 
			 26 December 1999 Quarr Farm 
			 29 December 1999 Swan Lane 
			 2 March 2000 Ivy Lea 
			 19 March 2000 Seghill 
			 20 March 2000 Howdon Road 
			   
			 2000–01  
			 3 April 2000 Sawbridgeworth Station 
			 2 May 2000 Allanfearn 
			 8 May 2000 Tregoss Moor 
			 22 June 2000 Hixon 
			 24 June 2000 Battery Road, Dungeness 
			 12 July 2000 Beavers 
			 4 August 2000 Borth Capel Soar 
			 10 August 2000 Bragg Marsh 
			 24 August 2000 Sweet Briar Lane 
			 7 September 2000 Munllyn 
			 24 September 2000 Weston Avenue 
			 17 October 2000 Pooley Green 
			 22 October 2000 Appenine Way 
			 23 October 2000 Traethmawr 
			 2 November 2000 Lairg 
			 11 November 2000 Common Lane, Rankshill 
			 12 November 2000 Bank Foot 
			 15 November 2000 Coltishall Lane 
			 19 November 2000 Callerton Parkway 
			 25 November 2000 Northwood 
			 28 November 2000 Waterbeach Station 
			 14 December 2000 Meldreth Road 
			 25 January 2001 Quintrell Downs 
			 14 February 2001 Wadhams North Barn 
			   
			 2001–02  
			 19 April 2001 Forge Farm 
			 5 May 2001 Moulinearn 
			 14 June 2001 Shaws Crossing 
			 26 July 2001 Swineshead 
			 17 August 2001 Clattercote 
			 21 August 2001 Allanfearn 
			 23 August 2001 Ardorssan Harbour 
			 25 August 2001 Shenley Hill Road Crossing 
			 19 September 2001 Swan Lane 
			 26 September 2001 Foxton 
			 7 October 2001 Llwyn Cadwygan 
			 29 October 2001 Rippins Main 
			 17 November 2001 Cleghorn 
			 1 January 2002 Norwood Road 
			 7 February 2002 Tan Lane 
			 15 February 2002 Carleton 
		
	
	Level crossing accidents in Great Britain are among the lowest in Europe. However, as about 33 per cent. of railway collisions occur on level crossings they still present a significant area of risk. Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) are currently developing plans for a level crossing working party to critically look at all level crossing issues from first principles.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes are proposed to the remit of the HMRI in relation to railway (a) inspection, (b) safety cases and (c) accident investigation; what changes are proposed to the role of (i) contractors and (ii) sub-contractors within the HMRI; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	No changes are planned to the remit of HMRI or to the role of contractors and sub-contractors within HMRI.
	Subject to Parliament's approval of the necessary legislation, in future the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will have lead responsibility for rail accident investigation but HMRI will retain responsibility for breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what recent representations he has received in relation to the role of contractors in (a) inspection, (b) safety cases and (c) accident investigation; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with (a) Railtrack, (b) the HSE, (c) the HSC and (d) other organisations in relation to the role of contractors in (i) inspection, (ii) safety cases and (iii) accident investigation; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will make a statement on the role of contractors in the railway industry in relation to (a) safety inspection, (b) safety cases and (c) accident investigation; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	On 23 May, the then Secretary of State met with key players in the railway industry to discuss the issue of contractors in the railway industry. He also received a letter and report on this issue from the chair of the Health and Safety Commission on Friday 31 May, copies of which are available in the House Libraries.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposals for establishment of a railway industry safety body; and if he will place the consultation papers in the Library.

David Jamieson: The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) are consulting on a licence modification which would enable the proposed railway industry safety body (RISB) to be established without primary legislation. If there is agreement to proceed by way of a licence change modification, ORR expects RISB to be in place by the end of the year. A copy of the consultation document was placed in the Library by the ORR in December 2001, it is also available on the ORR website www.rail-reg.gov.uk.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the programme of safety tours that the chief executive officer of Railtrack undertakes.

David Jamieson: My Department does not hold the information requested, although I understand that the chief executive officer and other senior staff undertake such safety-related activities on a continuing basis.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings he has had with Railtrack officials since the Southwell rail accident.

David Jamieson: Ministers have regularly met Railtrack board members and officials since September 1997.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the primary legislation required to set up the Railway Accident Investigation Branch will be published.

David Jamieson: Lord Cullen recommended the establishment of a Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which will require primary legislation. We expect to consult this summer on our proposals for the establishment of RAIB before publishing the necessary primary legislation.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department is represented on the Railtrack Safety Executive.

David Jamieson: My Department is not represented on the board of Railway Safety.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the development group meetings of key stakeholders of the rail industry safety body will be open to the public.

David Jamieson: The Rail Regulator has published a consultation document on the establishment of the rail industry safety body (RISB). Copies of the consultation document and the majority of responses are available on the Rail Regulator's website, together with other working papers discussed at the development group. The development group is intended to be a series of working meetings to develop the detailed proposals for establishing RISB. It is not therefore open to the public. The Rail Regulator has however held two conferences open to a wide audience including passenger representatives, freight users, and trade unions. A transcript of the last industry conference on 9 May 2002 will be made available shortly on the Rail Regulator's website.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what initiatives and management systems the rail industry use to ensure employee involvement in safety issues.

David Jamieson: Health and safety law places a duty on all employers to consult employees and their representatives in good time about specified aspects of their health and safety at work.
	In addition, the Railway Safety Case Regulations 2000 places an explicit duty on railway employers to establish adequate arrangements for the passing and receiving of information relevant to health and safety to and from employees and others affected by their operations.
	The railway industry also has a Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS). CIRAS offers an independent and confidential way for staff to report safety concerns without fear of disciplinary procedures. CIRAS is not intended to replace the normal reporting channels already operated by railway companies. Rather it is intended to work alongside them.

Rail Safety

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) timescale, (b) terms of reference and (c) costs are of the consultation exercise on the establishment of an independent rail accident investigation body; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Lord Cullen's part 2 Ladbroke Grove report made a number of recommendations about an independent rail accident investigation branch (RAIB). We expect to consult this summer on proposals for the establishment of RAIB which are drawn from these recommendations. The consultation exercise will run for 12 weeks from the date of publication, as set out in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation. Responses to the consultation will be carefully analysed following this period, and in advance of primary legislation. The costs of consultations exercises are included in the Department's running costs.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many children were injured on railway lines in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Information held by the British Transport police on fatal and major injuries to juveniles (under 16 years) in relation to trespass offences is contained in the following table:
	
		
			 Year Fatal Major injuries 
		
		
			 1997–98 6 10 
			 1998–99 5 9 
			 1999–2000 5 13 
			 2000–01 8 16 
			 2001–02 3 7

Cullen Report

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if the results of the centralised training and development team formed by Railtrack, as reported in the Cullen report, will be made publicly available;
	(2)  what the terms of reference are for the local management teams that monitor the implementation of contracts for the rail industry as reported in the Cullen report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry.

David Jamieson: These are operational matters for Railtrack.

Cullen Report

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the shortcomings are in the scope of contract documentation reported in the Cullen report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry.

David Jamieson: Lord Cullen discussed the use of contracts in Chapter 4 of his part 2 Ladbroke Grove report including the process for awarding and controlling contracts and contractors. He did not make any specific recommendations about contract documentation. A copy of the report is in the Library.

Cullen Report

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what maintenance delivery and other improvements are being followed up by Railtrack as reported in the Cullen report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the reasons for non-completion of recommendations 4, 6, 9 and 72 of the Cullen report into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry; and what timetable he has set for their completion;
	(3)  what steps are to be completed by Railtrack to comply with the recommendations of the Cullen report into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry; and what (a) timescales and (b) costs are involved.

David Jamieson: The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published progress reports on how the recommendations of the Cullen reports have been implemented: Part 1 on 14 March 2002 and Part 2 on 29 April 2002. These reports describe the original and revised timetables for all the recommendations and have been placed in the House Library.
	On 1 May 2002, the Secretary of State asked the HSC for a further progress report on the reasons for the delay in implementing recommendations associated with the management of contractors. A copy of the HSC's reply has been placed in the House Library.
	The cost of implementing those Cullen recommendations for which they have responsibility is a matter for Railtrack.

Cullen Report

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the 10 strategic maintenance principles developed by Railtrack that involve Railtrack directly managing inspection, appraisal and key work decisions as reported in the Cullen report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry.

David Jamieson: I understand that Railtrack have drawn up the following 10 key principles relating to maintenance and contractor management:
	1. To take responsibility for material asset, engineering decisions.
	2. To deliver clear asset engineering policies, standards, specifications and key work instructions.
	3. To own asset information including asset condition data and monitoring.
	4. To own examination of its network and, on a long-term basis, to aim to automate inspection as appropriate.
	5. To own the work prioritisation decisions and the resulting work plans on planned and reactive maintenance.
	6. To be accountable for developing the long-term view of people and the capability required and to work with the industry to ensure that people are developed as necessary.
	7. To lead the industry research and development into plant, systems, process and materials.
	8. To own all engineering access to the network and additionally to manage possessions based on assessed risk against a risk matrix, having fully consulted the passenger and freight train operating companies.
	9. To be able to demonstrate cost effectiveness of maintenance and renewals, and to seek continual unit cost reductions to meet regulatory expectations of efficiency.
	10. To continue to contract out maintenance and renewals in this control period but will consider the merits of bringing this work in-house for one or two "control areas".

Railtrack

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the circumstances in which Railtrack has imported rail track components that are cheaper but require higher maintenance than those of established British suppliers; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  in relation to Railtrack's decisions on which rail track components to purchase, what criteria are set by the (a) Rail Regulator and (b) HSE as to how Railtrack should trade off complexity of maintenance and capital outlay.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	None. These are procurement matters for the industry parties. However, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places specific duties on designers, manufacturers, suppliers and installers to ensure components are safe.

Railtrack

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  how many posts in Railtrack Scotland are unfilled; and what impact these vacancies are having on Scotland's rail services;
	(2)  for what posts in the Scottish rail network Railtrack has recruited people from (a) Romania and (b) the Philippines; and how many have been recruited;
	(3)  what additional training is required for people recruited from Romania and the Philippines by Railtrack to work on the rail network.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Recruitment and training are matters for the industry parties. Railtrack employs contractors to carry out its maintenance and renewal work on the network in Scotland. Signalling resources have been an issue for the industry and the contractors have looked at various options including the small-scale recruitment of qualified engineering staff from abroad. Their training additionally includes familiarisation with the operational methods and standards of the UK network.

Railtrack

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the results of the enhanced basic questionnaire for prospective Railtrack contractors will be made available to the public.

David Jamieson: This is a commercial matter for Railtrack.

Railtrack

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the deferred timescales of Railtrack for the revised selection process for prospective contractors.

David Jamieson: I understand that Railtrack's maintenance contracts are for fixed terms and will be re-let upon expiry. The next tranche is due to be renewed with effect from 1 April 2003.

Railway Lines

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 349W, if he will (a) provide a breakdown of the table by (i) wild animals, (ii) cattle and (iii) domestic animals and (b) provide an explanation for the decline in 2001–02.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate only records incidents of trains running into either cows or horses where the animals were subsequently killed, injured or retrieved from railway lines. Details are contained in the following table.
	
		
			 Year Cows Horses 
		
		
			 1996–97 67 15 
			 1997–98 56 14 
			 1998–99 53 13 
			 1999–2000 71 17 
			 2000–01 68 14 
			 2001–02(13) 46 5 
		
	
	(13) Provisional
	Figures are also recorded for trains striking other animals if the strike causes damage to the train which necessitates immediate repair. However the type of animal is not recorded. All these figures are also available in HM Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Report on Railway Safety, copies of which are in both House Libraries.
	It is not year clear whether the decline in 2001–02 has any statistical significance. However, factors may include the better provision of fencing and the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

Rail Investment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the allocation of the money under the 10-year transport plan for rail investment, broken down by region, including (a) total amount and (b) percentage allocated to each region.

David Jamieson: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for North Tayside (Pete Wishart) on 28 January 2002, Official Report, columns 53–54W.

Railway Inspectorate

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) terms of reference, (b) timescales and (c) job description are for the successful candidate applying for the position of director in Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate.

David Jamieson: The creation within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the new post of Director of Railway Safety is a direct result of Lord Cullen's recommendations following the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry. This will be a permanent appointment on standard civil service terms. The post was advertised in the national and specialist press, interviews have taken place, and the recruitment process, overseen by the Civil Service Commission, will be completed shortly. An announcement will be made by the HSE in due course.
	The job specification for the post includes requirements to lead and direct the Railway Inspectorate in ensuring that all relevant duty holders carry out their health and safety responsibilities to employees, passengers and others; contribute to the health and safety strategy for railways; ensure that all targets to improve health and safety on the railways are fully met; and to maintain strong links with stakeholders in driving forward the health and safety strategy and improving public confidence.

Railway Industry Advisory Committee

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the terms of reference are for the two additional members of the Railway Industry Advisory Committee; and from which areas nominations are accepted.

David Jamieson: The published terms of reference for all Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC) members, including the two new passenger interest representatives, are:
	to develop and advise the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) on a strategy for improving standards of health and safety in the rail industry and the protection of the public from related hazards;
	to advise HSC on the protection of people at work and others from hazards to health and safety arising within the rail industry;
	to provide advice and guidance to the rail industry in the context of HSC/E strategies;
	to encourage the participation of representative organisations in the protection of people from hazards to health and safety arising from the operation of the railway services; and
	in order to meet these goals to involve all those with an interest in health and safety on Britain's railways in the work of RIAC either through membership—particularly for representative organisations—or other forms of consultation.
	The "person specification" set out in the advertisement states that applicants need to be able to:
	represent the broad interests of all passengers and the public generally in rail safety issues;
	take a strategic approach to issues;
	weigh up conflicting opinions and reach consensus;
	work constructively with a range of stakeholders across the rail industry; and
	prepare for and attend two to four meetings a year.
	The new positions have been advertised in the national press and on the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) website. Details of the vacancies have also been sent to consumer bodies and passenger interest organisations.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Millennium Stadium (Cardiff)

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide additional funding to pay for the policing of major national events at the Millennium stadium, Cardiff.

John Denham: My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, approved a special grant of £300,000 for South Wales Police on 8 May as a contribution towards the additional cost of policing major football finals at the Millennium Stadium in 2002–03.

Asylum Seekers

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are awaiting a final decision on their application; and what the average waiting time for a decision was over the last 12 months.

Beverley Hughes: There were 35,500 asylum applications, excluding dependants, awaiting an initial decision on 31 March 2002. This number relates to the number of cases, i.e. the number of principal applicants.
	The average time between application and initial decision was 11 months for initial decisions made in 2001–02. It was 17 months in 1996.

Asylum Seekers

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he proposes on the criteria for admission to the UK of asylum seekers.

Beverley Hughes: As a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the United Kingdom has an obligation to consider all applications for asylum made in this country.

Asylum Seekers

Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if asylum seekers whose appeal against a refusal of support fails will be able to ask for a judicial review of this decision.

Rosie Winterton: I have been asked to reply.
	Asylum seekers who have been refused support by the National Asylum Support Service have a right of appeal to the Asylum Support Adjudicators. If their appeal is unsuccessful, they can apply for a judicial review of the adjudicator's decision.

Asylum Seekers

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of those seeking asylum were convicted of criminal offences in each of the past five years.

Beverley Hughes: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I provided to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) on 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 74W.

Asylum Seekers

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's criteria will be for the allocation of permanent addresses to those asylum seekers awarded leave to remain while residing in an asylum accommodation centre.

Beverley Hughes: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Angela Eagle), gave to the hon. Member for Mid- Worcestershire (Mr. Luff) on 9 May 2002, Official Report, column 329W.

Asylum Seekers

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are estimated to have entered Britain from France on freight trains in the weeks of (a) 1 March 2001, (b) 11 November 2001, (c) 17 February 2002 and (d) 14 April 2002; and if he will re-enter the bilateral agreement with France on security arrangements near the entrance to the channel tunnel.

Beverley Hughes: It is not possible to establish precisely how many asylum seekers have entered the United Kingdom after travelling through the channel tunnel on freight trains. Some illegal entrants do not claim asylum on arrival. Some illegal entrants are detected inland and cannot be attributed to a particular port of entry and some claim to use the channel tunnel but have in fact entered by a different route.
	Information on the number of illegal entrants who have arrived in the United Kingdom after travelling on freight trains via the channel tunnel is not held centrally. However, local provisional management information is collated on a monthly basis although is not yet available for 2002. The locally collated figures for the two months in 2001 including these periods are as follows: 150 (March 2001), 288 (November 2001).
	Security arrangements near the entrance to the channel tunnel have not been subject to any bilateral agreement with France. We have repeatedly stressed to SNCF and all levels of the French Government the need for rapid security improvements. We are monitoring the situation and we will take further concerted action until the overall policing and security levels are adequate. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary (Mr. Blunkett) has made clear that addressing the problem of cross-channel asylum seekers in its totality will be a priority for discussions with the new French Government after their elections.

Asylum Seekers

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the management of Landmark and Inn on the Park in Everton, Liverpool in housing asylum seekers.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The National Asylum Support Service's (NASS) housing management team carry out regular inspections of the two properties to ensure that the accommodation provider is compliant in its contract with NASS. These inspections are to check on the provider's housing management policies, procedures and systems. In addition, residents are regularly interviewed to find out whether the standards of housing management are being maintained and if the complaints procedure is operating in accordance with the contract.
	The NASS contract manager is in continuous monitoring contact with the accommodation provider to ensure overall compliance with all terms of the contract.

Asylum Seekers

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the performance of NASS in relation to its monitoring of contracts for asylum seekers in Liverpool.

Beverley Hughes: Any assessment regarding the performance of the contractors used by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is overseen by the head of the Procurement Section, who reports to the director of NASS. NASS contract managers monitor the performance of accommodation providers against their contracts across the country. The work of NASS is subject to the normal management, audit and complaints procedures of that directorate.
	As part of the Home Office, NASS is open to scrutiny by the National Audit Office and, through Ministers, by the Public Accounts Committee.

Asylum Seekers

Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances asylum seekers applying for accommodation can exercise choice over the (a) type and (b) location of their accommodation.

Beverley Hughes: As a general rule the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) allocates accommodation on a no choice basis. Asylum seekers can, as part of their application for support, put forward reasons why they should not be dispersed or, if they are to be dispersed why they should be sent to a particular location. Any factors put forward will be taken into account. But no guarantees can be given that a request to be located in a particular area will be met. This will depend on a number of factors including availability of suitable accommodation.

Community Support Officers

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed role of community support officers.

David Blunkett: We are providing CSOs to support and work with the growing number of fully trained police officers with over 4,500 additional officers between March 2000 and January this year and 189 over the same period in Devon and Cornwall. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has been at the forefront of arguing the case for CSOs, other forces and ACPO have also expressed their support. CSOs are a realistic and hard headed approach to providing a visible police presence in support of the police, freeing them up for other front line duties and tackling antisocial behaviour and increasing public safety.

Police (North-East)

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers in the north-east.

John Denham: The north-east forces (Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria) had a total of 6,927 police officers on 31 January 2002. This is 386 more officers than in March 1997 and is a record number.

Antisocial Behaviour

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent antisocial behaviour.

Bob Ainsworth: Our strategy to prevent antisocial behaviour includes the introduction of Neighbourhood and Street Wardens, the Closed Circuit Television initiative and a range of sentences for juvenile offenders to prevent further offending. Measures in the Police Reform Bill will improve the effectiveness of Anti-Social Behaviour-Orders and increase the extended police family to deter people from committing antisocial acts.
	Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority for the Government—it is blighting the lives of too many people.

Prisoner Rehabilitation

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to assist the rehabilitation of prisoners.

Hilary Benn: The Government is investing an additional £31 million in 2001–02, £50 million in 2002–03 and £71 million in 2003–04 on basic skills, drug treatment, offending behaviour programmes and resettlement to help assist prisoner rehabilitation and reduce the rate of reconvictions.

Cannabis

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy towards prosecuting people for possession of cannabis.

Bob Ainsworth: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is currently considering whether the classification of Cannabis should be changed from Class B to Class C, taking into account the advice he has received from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the reports relating to the Lambeth cannabis pilot warning scheme and the findings of the Home Affairs Select Committee.
	The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for prosecuting criminal offences. Each case received by the CPS is reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. A prosecution will only be pursued if there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest.

Drug Testing Pilot Schemes

Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on recent drug testing pilot schemes.

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on drug testing pilots.

Bob Ainsworth: The drug testing pilot programme began in three sites, Nottingham, Staffordshire and Hackney, between July and December 2001 under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. It will run for two-years and is subject to a full independent evaluation.
	The programme is being extended to an additional six sites to enhance the evaluation process.
	An interim process evaluation report is to be published as Research Findings 176 on 30 May, with a further interim report in Spring 2003, on the emerging learning from the programme.

Domestic Violence

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he intends to reduce domestic violence in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The Home Office and the Women's Unit jointly published the policy document "Living without Fear: an integrated approach to tackling violence against women" in June 1999. The document set out the Government's goals for tackling violence against women which include:
	to reduce crimes of violence against women and fear of violence as measured by the British Crime Survey;
	to help today's children grow up in a society where violence is not part of family life and relationships are built on greater mutual respect; and
	within five years to see effective multi-agency partnerships operating throughout England and Wales, drawing on good practice demonstrated in the mentioned publication.
	Within the last two years we have also issued new multi-agency guidance on dealing with domestic violence, specific guidance to Health Service professionals and a new Home Office circular to the police which has been widely welcomed.
	We have provided £120 million additional capital funding for a new Safer Communities Supported Housing Fund and increased funding for Victim Support. Over £10 million has been provided for a violence against women initiative within the Crime Reduction Programme to help us identify what interventions in what circumstances are the most effective and cost-effective.
	In addition, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State (Mr. Denham) chairs a Ministerial group on domestic violence involving representatives from seven key departments which is working closely together to consider the development and implementation of preventative strategies to address domestic violence. The group has highlighted five areas for priority action as follows:
	Early intervention by Health Practitioners
	Enhanced Criminal and Civil Jurisdiction Interface
	Increasing safe accommodation choices for women and children
	Education and awareness training
	Ensuring an appropriate and consistent police and Crown Prosecution Service response.

Domestic Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will review the one year concession in immigration rules in relation to domestic violence.

Beverley Hughes: We are currently in the process of reviewing the domestic violence concession.

Victims of Crime

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the support his Department is giving to the victims of crime.

Hilary Benn: I am committed to improving services and support to victims of crime. That is why we have more than doubled the annual grant to Victim Support since May 1997, increased the total amount awarded by the criminal injuries compensation scheme, and delivered new services such as witness support in magistrates courts, and a national telephone helpline.
	A review of the 1996 Victim's Charter is well advanced. A Bill of Rights for victims and the establishment of a Victims' Ombudsman and Commissioner are under active consideration. I am also taking forward work on setting up a Victims Advisory Panel to enable me to hear, directly and regularly, of the concerns of victims of crime.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed locations for the asylum accommodation centres.

Beverley Hughes: We have submitted a planning notification at two sites, near Bicester in Oxfordshire and at RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire. We intend to submit a planning notification with regards to Throckmorton Airfield, in the hon Member's Constituency, shortly. Further work is required on sites at AirWest Edinburgh, Sully Hospital (Glamorgan) and Hemswell Cliff (Lincolnshire) before a decision can be taken on whether to proceed to planning notifications.
	Consultation with the relevant local authorities will continue, including public meetings.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sites were considered for asylum accommodation centres before the shortlist of eight was agreed; and if he will list the other sites considered and the reasons for their exclusion.

Beverley Hughes: We have put into the public domain the location of all sites which were considered to merit detailed assessment for the purpose of siting an accommodation centre and will continue to do so in the future. We do not consider that it would be appropriate to put into the public domain details of sites which were not considered to merit detailed assessment.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Richard Allan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, 
	(1)  pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 234W on asylum seekers, if he will define suitably qualified staff for the management of education provision in accommodation centres;
	(2)  what criteria will be used to assess the suitability of private contractors who will provide education in accommodation centres.

Beverley Hughes: I refer the hon. Member to the reply of 20 March 2002, Official Report, column 412W which my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Angela Eagle) gave to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West (John Barrett). We are still in discussions with other Government Departments on the management of education provision in accommodation centres.
	Those selected to operate the centres will be obliged to operate within strict Home Office guidelines.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will respond to the public petitions presented in the House on plans for an accommodation centre for asylum seekers near Bicester.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 21 May 2002
	A response will be submitted shortly.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long planning authorities will have to respond to notification from his Department about proposals to build an asylum accommodation centre in their area; and what timetable there will be for subsequent non-statutory planning inquiries.

Beverley Hughes: In general, local planning authorities will have eight weeks to respond to a planning notification from the Home Office in line with the ordinary provisions contained within Circular 18/84. However, where there is an environmental impact assessment required such as in the hon. Member's constituency, this timescale would be extended by a further eight weeks.
	After a planning notification has been considered, depending upon the conclusion reached by the local planning authority, it would be a matter for the office of the Deputy Prime Minister whether there is an inquiry and what the format of any inquiry would be.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long Wychavon District Council will have to consider the planning notification for the proposed asylum accommodation centre at Throckmorton after its receipt.

Beverley Hughes: In general, local planning authorities will have eight weeks to respond to a planning notification from the Home Office in line with the ordinary provisions contained within Circular 18/84. However, where there is an environmental impact assessment required such as in the hon. Member's constituency, this timescale will be extended by a further eight weeks.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reach a conclusion on the suitability of RAF Turnhouse as a site for an asylum seeker accommodation centre; what factors have prevented a decision being reached; and for what reasons the Killingholme and Hooton Park sites are no longer under consideration for such centres.

Beverley Hughes: Those sites still under consideration, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) Turnhouse, are currently being evaluated under a wide range of criteria. We will reach a decision as soon as possible on the suitability of RAF Turnhouse. However, immediate priority will be given to the three sites for which it has been decided to submit planning notifications.
	All prospective sites were evaluated under a wide range of criteria including size, configuration, location, technical characteristics and planning considerations. The sites at Killingholme and Hooton Park were found to be unsuitable.

Trespass

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the law in relation to occupation of private land by travelling people.

John Denham: The Home Office and Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions are currently considering their long term gypsy and traveller strategy, which includes a review of eviction powers.

Sentencing

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for a guideline body to encourage consistency in sentencing; and how it will interact with the Sentencing Advisory Panel.

Hilary Benn: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary explained, in his address to the Justices' Clerks Society Conference in Cardiff on 7 May 2002, that it is the Government's intention to set up a sentencing guidelines body. This new body would seek to improve consistency in sentences for offences across the board in a way that is authoritative, comprehensive and that all the courts would be required to take account of.
	The new body will be supported by the Sentencing Advisory Panel and will build on the work already done by the Court of Appeal (assisted by the Sentencing Advisory Panel) and the Magistrates' Courts Sentencing Guidelines.
	We will set out our proposals on sentencing in a wider Criminal Justice White Paper due for publication later this year.

Sentencing

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from the police on sentencing policy.

Hilary Benn: The publication of the Halliday report on "Making Punishments Work" was subject to public consultation. Nine police forces responded and were generally supportive of the proposals. The consolidated response from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in particular supported the case for sentencing reform and considered that the proposals met in large measure the submissions that ACPO had made. Responses to the consultation were published. ACPO is quoted as saying:
	"The entire system including the courts must bear down on the recidivist".
	27.

Sentencing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his action on guidance for magistrates on sentencing.

Hilary Benn: Following the recommendation of the review on the Sentencing Framework, we intend to set up a sentencing guidelines body. This new body would seek to improve consistency in sentences for offences across the board in a way that is authoritative, comprehensive and that all the courts would be required to take account of. Decisions in individual cases will of course continue to take account of individual circumstances.
	The new body will be supported by the Sentencing Advisory Panel and will build on the work that has been done by those responsible for the Magistrates' Court sentencing guidelines.
	We will set out our proposals on sentencing in a wider Criminal Justice White Paper due for publication later this year.

Drug Treatment and Testing Orders

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the contribution of the NHS to the effectiveness of drug treatment and testing orders.

Bob Ainsworth: Research shows that there is a strong link between drugs and acquisitive crime, and that treatment can play a significant part in reducing both drugs misuse and associated crime. The National Drugs Treatment Monitoring System provides data on trends in the use of drug treatment services to assist planning on how best to provide services to meet the needs of drugs misusers. It is though, a matter for local decision between the Probation Service and other stakeholders within Joint Commissioning Groups whether the clinical treatment element of the Drug Treatment and Testing Order is delivered through the National Health Service or by another provider.

Prisoners' Health

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on funding for prisons to achieve the health targets set out in each prison's health improvement programme.

Hilary Benn: The Prison Service and the Department of Health, working in partnership, are committing significant new resources to support local improvements in health services for prisoners. This additional funding will amount to £62.9 million over the three years from April 2001 (£9.4 million 2001–02, £24 million 2002–03 and £29.5 million 2003–04).

Police (Sussex)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers in Sussex.

John Denham: On 31 January 2002 Sussex Police had 2,878. police officers. Police numbers increased by 56 between March 2000 and January 2002.
	Over the three-year period to March 2003 Sussex has been allocated 206 recruits from the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) over and above the force's previous recruitment plans for the period. Sussex Police took on 42 CFF recruits in 2000–01 and 71 CFF recruits in 2001–02. A further 93 CFF recruits are expected to be taken on by Sussex Police in 2002–03.

Street Crime

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of his safe street campaign in the Yorkshire region.

John Denham: The street crime initiative represents a step-change in cross-Government action to tackle street crime with a focused programme of action in the 10 police force areas where the problem is most acute. In the Yorkshire region two forces are involved, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
	Both South and West Yorkshire have commenced targeted police operations in crime hotspots. Police activity is being supported by cross criminal justice agency with priority street crime courts established in Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Leeds and Bradford, and the Crown Prosecution Service providing a premium service for processing street crime cases. Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield are among 34 local education authorities across the 10 areas receiving additional funding to target truancy and bad behaviour. Both Yorkshire areas will also benefit from an increase in Summer Splash schemes, targeting children at risk of offending and providing a range of organised activities over the school holidays. Local partnerships are engaged in ensuring that street crime is a priority in local strategic planning.
	To support the police further in these areas the Government have announced additional funding allocations. West Yorkshire will receive £1.8 million and South Yorkshire £1.6 million.

Street Crime

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he intends to tackle street robbery.

John Denham: Tackling street crime is now a top priority for the Government. However, it is recognised that it cannot successfully be tackled by the police and criminal justice agencies alone. That is why the Government set up the Street Crime Action Group in March of this year. This group, chaired by the Prime Minister, has brought together all relevant Government Departments, criminal justice and other agencies to work together to identify and address weaknesses in the current systems. This includes preventative action as well as action designed to detect offenders and deal effectively with them through the courts.
	The programme of action has been targeted and accelerated in 10 police force areas accounting for over 80 per cent. of street crime, since April 2002.
	The Government have to date announced a number of measures to help tackle the issue of street crime. These include:
	the funding of the roll-out of VIPER video identification equipment to enable video ID parades in the 10 areas;
	the nomination of 67 specialist street crime courts in the 10 areas to fast-track street crime cases and provide separate facilities and support to victims and witnesses;
	the launch of a CPS Premium Service for Street Crime offenders with experienced prosecutors working with police in a dedicated investigation and prosecution service;
	the extension of bail powers through the greater use of electronic tagging, ISSP orders, new curfew conditions and the provision of more secure accommodation places for juvenile repeat offenders;
	greater powers to remand into custody persistent young offenders aged 12 to 16;
	a £66 million DfES package to tackle bad behaviour and truancy in schools, and to support summer activities;
	the introduction of the Mobile Phone Re-programming Bill to outlaw the re-programming of mobile phones.
	Further to support the policing operations in these areas the Government have announced the following additional funding allocations:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 2,340,000 
			 GMP 2,390,000 
			 Lancashire 835,000 
			 Merseyside 1,700,000 
			 Met 13,130,000 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,052,000 
			 South Yorkshire 1,600,000 
			 TVP 1,500,000 
			 West Midlands 1,880,000 
			 West Yorkshire 1,800,000

Language and Citizenship Education

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to offer language and citizenship education to those settling long term in the UK.

Beverley Hughes: It is the Government's intention to ensure that people applying for nationality, and some others in categories leading to settlement, have ready access to language and citizenship education. The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill presently before Parliament makes provision for this. The Bill also provides for applicants to provide evidence of prior achievement, and for waiver of the requirement-to demonstrate competence in certain circumstances.
	The purpose of these courses is partly to ensure that people entitled to work here should not be disadvantaged in the employment market by having an inadequate knowledge of English. Also, as part of a wider programme for integration with diversity and social cohesion, we want to encourage a greater sense of common citizenship by helping people gain a knowledge of parliamentary government, economic and social life.
	A context-free course in English for Speakers of Other Languages was launched in February and the citizenship curriculum will be developed by a group of experts drawn from the fields of education and social cohesion.

Drug-Related Crime (North-East)

Dari Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department is doing to break the link between drugs and crime in the north-east.

Bob Ainsworth: The links between drugs and crime are complex and deep rooted, and require a combined effort of police enforcement, treatment, education and diversionary activity.
	In the north-east, the Home Office funds a number of initiatives to tackle drug misuse such as:
	drug treatment and testing orders, available across the three north-east probation areas;
	arrest referral schemes covering the three north-east police forces.
	Additionally a range of activities are funded under the Communities Against Drugs programme, aimed at stemming the supply of drugs, helping people into treatment and strengthening communities to resist drugs. In the year 2001–02 a total of £2.5 million was made available for the north-east under this initiative to be spent on local projects. This is in addition to mainstream funding for police, health and education and the range of work to help regenerate deprived areas and tackle social exclusion.

Racist Newspaper Articles

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the publication of racist articles in foreign language newspapers distributed in the United Kingdom.

Beverley Hughes: Home Office Ministers have received a number of representations from Members of Parliament (three), members of the public (two) and from the Board of Deputies of British Jews on this issue. The investigation of possible breaches of the law, in this case allegations that material incites racial hatred under part III of the Public Order Act 1986, are operational matters for the police. The police are investigating allegations that articles in the al-Akhbar newspaper, an Egyptian newspaper available in the United Kingdom, incited racial hatred. We would encourage anyone to report to the police any material they believe breaches the incitement to racial hatred laws.

Special Constables

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there are in England and Wales; and how many there were on 1 May 1997.

John Denham: The number of serving special constables in England and Wales on 30 September 2001 was 12,068. In March 1997 there were 19,874 serving special constables.
	The Government are committed to reversing this decline in numbers and achieving a stronger, increasingly professional special constabulary. Measures to achieve this include:
	A new headline role focusing on intelligence led patrolling and crime reduction initiatives;
	a new national foundation training package for special constables;
	joint Home Office/Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) good practice guidance covering recruitment, management and deployment of specials;
	new conditions of service and conduct regulations.
	In January we ran a press campaign targeting specials as part of the national recruitment campaign for the regular Police Service. And as the Home Secretary also announced at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week, we will also be working with employers to encourage them to support employees who are specials—in particular by giving them extra paid leave to carry out their police duties.

Special Constables

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the number of special constables.

John Denham: The Government is committed to increasing the size of the Special Constabulary. We are currently working with stakeholders on a number of measures to achieve this, through improvements to the recruitment, training, management and welfare of specials.

Child Disappearance

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children up to the age of 16 years have disappeared within the UK during each of the last five years and have not been found.

John Denham: Missing persons are reported to the Police National Missing Persons Bureau (PNMPB) after they have been missing for 14 days or more. The PNMPB currently record missing children figures in the category of under 18 years. However, until the period 1999–2000 the age range of 'up to and including 18 years of age' was used. The following are the figures of those reported missing using the above mentioned categories, for the last five financial years:
	
		
			   Total 
		
		
			 1997–98 938 
			 1998–99 1,184 
			 1999–2000 1,467 
			 2000–01 1,021 
			 2001–02 1,037 
		
	
	Of those cases, the PNMPB database currently shows a total of 468 outstanding unresolved cases.

Terrorist Organisations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government have classified (a) Al-Amn al-Ri'asah, (b) the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, (c) the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, (d) the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and (e) Sa'iqa as terrorist organisations; what changes in classification have taken place since 1 August 2000; and if he will make a statement.

David Blunkett: None of these organisations are on the proscribed list of organisations contained in schedule 2 to the Terrorism Act 2000. No new organisations have been added to schedule 2 since it came into force on 29 March 2001.
	The list of organisations in schedule 2 are reviewed on a regular basis.
	All information supplied on these organisations will be evaluated very carefully, and decisions to proscribe or deproscribe are taken after careful consideration of all relevant aspects.

Terrorist Attacks (Emergency Services)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding will be given to extra training of emergency services staff to deal with the possible threat from large scale terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The United Kingdom police forces have a wide range of skills and capabilities which are regularly tested and can be deployed during a terrorist incident. The ability of police forces to respond to a terrorist attack involving the use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials is being strengthened through specialist police training.
	Home Office funding is being made available in 2002–03 to meet the full running and equipment costs involved. It is not normal practice to disclose the level of funding allocated by the United Kingdom to specific counter-terrorist measures.
	I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Milburn) that the ambulance services have improved their preparedness to respond to chemical and biological incidents. New personal protective equipment and decontamination units are currently being provided. The full training implications and its funding are still being considered by the Department of Health.
	I understand from my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Prescott) that fire service personnel already receive training for dealing with terrorist and major incidents. Details of specific training carried out by each fire authority are not held centrally.
	His Department announced in February that it was providing £53 million funding for the fire service to give further protection to the public and emergency services in the event of a major chemical, biological or radiological attack. The funding provides for equipment, vehicles, training and revenue support. The Department is continuing to consider the case for additional resources.

Visas

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the mandate of the Committee on the introduction of a uniform format for visas is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The mandate for the Committee on uniform format visas is Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) 1683/95 of 29 May 1995 laying down a uniform format for visas. This Regulation has since been amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 334/2002 of 18 February 2002 which introduced new technical requirements for the uniform format for visas and maintained the mandate of the Article 6 Committee.
	The Committee has met four times during the last 12 months.
	United Kingdom representation on the Committee usually comprises the Inspector and a Chief Immigration Officer from the Immigration Service National Forgery Section (the Immigration Service centre of expertise on travel document security and abuse) and a representative from the United Kingdom Visas (a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office unit responsible for visa related matters).
	Precise figures for the annual cost of the Committee's work on public funds are not available. However, travel costs to meetings for one member of the United Kingdom delegation are reimbursed by the Commission.
	Currently under consideration by the Committee is its standing mandate of a general review of security and standards of performance of the uniform format visa with a view to enhancement of security safeguards as considered appropriate and necessary. In particular at present, the Committee is considering technical specifications to implement Council Regulation (EC) No. 334/2002 which requires integration into the visa of a photograph produced according to high security standards. The Committee is also currently mandated by Council Regulation (EC) No 333/2002 for a uniform format for a form for affixing the visa issued by a member state to a person holding a travel document not recognised by that member state. The Regulation requires the Committee to set specification for the form that meet high technical standards, in particular as regards safeguards against counterfeiting and falsification.
	Regulations covering the mandate of the Committee have been considered and cleared by parliamentary scrutiny.

Visas

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets he sets for his Department to respond to a request for information from an overseas post in cases for applications for a settlement visa for spouses of UK nationals.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The internal target for responding to requests for information from posts abroad is 90 per cent. within two weeks of receipt of the request. The earliest outstanding request was received on 14 February 2002.

Visas

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time is for a response to a request for information from the Democratic Republic of Congo in cases for applications for a settlement visa for spouses of UK nationals.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 23 May 2002
	Performance information in this area of work is not collated on a country of origin basis.

Correspondence

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Guildford of (a) 14 December 2001, (b) 7 April and (c) 10 April.

Beverley Hughes: I replied to the hon. Member's letters on 7 June 2002.

Correspondence

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letters of 11 February, 12 March and 21 April from a constituent, Ronald Glover of Minster.

Beverley Hughes: Mr. Glover's letter of 11 February 2002 was received in the Home Office on 7 March 2002. It was transferred to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) for response. The National Asylum Support Service, one of the directorates in IND, subsequently replied to him on 25 April 2002. I apologise for the delay in providing my hon. Friend's constituent with a substantive reply.

Correspondence

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter of 6 December 2001 from the hon. Member for Torbay regarding Mr. Ian Broom of Torquay.

Beverley Hughes: I wrote to the hon. Member on 7 June 2002.

Correspondence

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter of 25 April from the hon. Member for Woking concerning Morreale, ref M1098006.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 23 May 2002
	My officials wrote to the hon. Member on 22 May 2002.

Asylum Seekers (London)

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what sums have been made available to London boroughs to cover the additional costs of asylum seekers returning to London.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has not provided any funding to London boroughs to cover additional costs of asylum seekers returning to London from dispersal areas. NASS is responsible for meeting the direct costs of providing support to asylum seekers who are destitute. NASS is not responsible for providing funding for other services such as education and health. Asylum seekers returning to London can apply to NASS to change their support package from subsistence and accommodation to subsistence only. But asylum seekers could not, as a matter of routine, request that accommodation be provided in London. London is not a dispersal area. Accommodation will be provided in London only in exceptional circumstances.

European Security

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the nature of activities envisaged under paragraph 17 of the Laeken Conclusions, referring to the Specialist (Counter-Terrorist) Services.

David Blunkett: Prior to the European Union (EU) Council Meeting in Laeken, excellent co-operation already existed between the specialist units of EU member states responsible for counter-terrorism. The events of 11 September emphasised the need for practical and effective international co-operation against terrorism, both within and outside the European Union. This need was reflected in the conclusions of the meeting. An example of such co-operation was the United Kingdom proposed conference on the possible terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material held at Europol in January this year.

Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people are held under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; how long each has been held; how many face formal legal charges; how many have been convicted of a terrorist offence; and how many are being held in conditions where normal prisoners' rights do not apply;
	(2)  how many people have been detained under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 since its introduction.

David Blunkett: 11 foreign nationals have so far been detained using powers in Part IV of the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001. Eight were detained in December 2001, one in February 2002, and a further two in April 2002. Of those detained two have left the United Kingdom voluntarily. The other nine remain in detention. Normal Prison Service rules apply in respect of all aspects of the detentions. It is long-standing Government practice not to discuss individual cases or the immigration status of individuals. If, however, an individual chooses to publicise their case, we would be able to confirm their name and nationality. This is a matter for the individual and their legal representative in the first instance.

Plane-spotters (Greece)

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the issue of the British plane-spotters tried in Greece was discussed by Ministers or officials with the Greek Justice Minister on his recent visit to London.

David Blunkett: The Greek Justice Minister has not recently visited London to discuss this or any other matter with Home Office Ministers or with Ministers or officials of other Government Departments.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the backlog of cases is at IND; and what the estimated length of time is that IND takes to reply to a letter from hon. Members.

Beverley Hughes: At the end of March 2002, there were 35,500 asylum cases awaiting an initial decision, including work in progress.
	Our latest estimate for appeals with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) waiting to be sent to the Immigration Appellate Authority, provided to my hon. Friend previously on 14 May 2002, Official Report, column 604W, gives a figure of 48,000, the majority of which are asylum appeals, including work in progress.
	Information on the number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision is published quarterly on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/ immigration1.html.
	Statistics on the number of cases awaiting an initial decision in all other divisions of the IND are not currently available.
	Information on the average length of time it takes for officials in the IND to respond to hon. Members' correspondence is currently not collated centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters are unopened at his Department's Public Enquiry Office in Croydon.

Beverley Hughes: The Croydon Public Enquiry Office (PEO) provides a fast-track, same-day service to personal callers with regard to straightforward immigration applications/inquiries as well as operating an urgent return of documents section. The small amount of incoming mail that PEO receives is opened during the working day. Each item is linked to its relevant Home Office file and/or allocated to a caseworking unit within 24 hours.

Illegal Immigrants

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to secure a bilateral agreement with the French Government to permit the immediate return of cross-Channel illegal immigrants to France.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 21 May 2002
	A bilateral agreement for the return of illegal immigrants who do not claim asylum is already in place between the United Kingdom and France. Nearly 6,000 illegal immigrants are returned each year under this agreement.

Police Officers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in Greater London have less than two years' experience, broken down by borough; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The information requested has been provided by the Commissioners of Police of the Metropolis (Sir John Stevens QPM) and for the City of London Police (Mr. Perry Nove QPM) and is given in the table.
	In the Metropolitan police probationers formed 14 per cent. of borough strength. In the City of London police probationers formed 14.8 per cent. of the force's total strength.
	Police force performance does not depend solely upon the number of experienced officers available. The proposals in the White Paper "Policing a New Century: A blueprint for Reform" set out a radical and ambitious programme of reform, with the overall aim of reducing crime and the fear of crime and to tackle antisocial behaviour. The test of success will be whether the measures being put in place will make a real difference to the quality of life of individuals and communities up and down the country.
	The public have a right to expect the same high standards of service wherever they live and the Government propose to put a framework in place to ensure that all police forces come up to the standard of the best.
	
		Officers with less than 2 years experience as at 30 April 2002
		
			 Metropolitan police, by borough Number 
		
		
			 Kensington and Chelsea 78 
			 Westminster 225 
			 Camden 107 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 79 
			 Hackney 94 
			 Tower Hamlets 100 
			 Waltham Forest 62 
			 Redbridge 61 
			 Havering 52 
			 Newham 91 
			 Barking and Dagenham 30 
			 Lambeth 117 
			 Southwark 95 
			 Islington 94 
			 Lewisham 92 
			 Bromley 58 
			 Harrow 46 
			 Brent 96 
			 Greenwich 88 
			 Bexley 51 
			 Barnet 79 
			 Richmond upon Thames 35 
			 Hounslow 51 
			 Kingston upon Thames 36 
			 Merton 40 
			 Wandsworth 104 
			 Ealing 90 
			 Hillingdon 46 
			 Enfield 72 
			 Haringey 85 
			 Croydon 94 
			 Sutton 36 
			  
			 Metropolitan police total 2,484 
			   
			 City of London police(14) 114 
		
	
	(14) As at 1 May 2002

Police Officers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many trainee Metropolitan police officers are housed in non-police force accommodation; what accommodation is being used; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The Commissioner of the Metropolitan police informs me that all recruits currently undergoing training in the Metropolitan police recruit training school are housed in police accommodation.

Video Identification

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on video identification as a replacement for identification parades.

John Denham: The new provisions in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, which came into force on 1 April 2002, will enable police forces to make more use of video technology to speed up the identification process. Video identification provides a fast and effective alternative to live identity parades. Problems in arranging "live" identification parades within a reasonable period of time have contributed significantly to delays in processing cases and such delays impact upon the quality of evidence and compromise the whole process of justice. Making better use of video identification technology will free up officer time to tackle crime and standardise police practices. It will also result in more positive identifications and benefit witnesses and victims, who will no longer have to re-live their ordeal by coming face-to-face with their attacker in a live identity parade.
	Rollout of video identification technology, for which the Government have provided £7.6 million, has commenced in the 10 police force areas participating in the Government's Robbery Reduction Initiative.

Human Rights

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of the decision to end the Special Voucher Scheme on the UK's obligations under the Fourth Protocol to the ECHR, with special reference to the duties of a signatory under the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties.

Beverley Hughes: The abolition of the Special Quota Voucher Scheme did not infringe any obligations of the United Kingdom. We have not ratified Protocol 4 and have no obligations under it. And, because abolition of the Scheme will not prevent compliance with Protocol 4 if we do ratify it, we have not infringed our obligations under the Vienna Convention.

Human Rights

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to enable the UK to ratify the Fourth Protocol to the ECHR.

Beverley Hughes: None at the present time.

Parliamentary Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of parliamentary advisers appointed to serve his Department.

David Blunkett: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Security Service

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the establishment figure for (a) linguists, (b) administrative assistants, (c) generalists and (d) technicians in the security service is; how many are in post at each level; and what steps his Department has taken to increase recruitment.

David Blunkett: holding answer 22 May 2002
	It has been the policy of successive Governments not to break down Security Service employment figures in any way that indicates Service capabilities so as not to impair its effectiveness in undertaking its vital statutory functions.
	The Security Service undertakes its own recruitment. In most cases it now advertises openly in the press.

Security Service

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the salary of administrative assistants working in the Security Service.

David Blunkett: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The setting of salary scales is a matter for the Security Service itself, in consultation with Her Majesty's Treasury, to decide.

Yarl's Wood

Patrick Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detainees were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February.

Beverley Hughes: 385 detainees were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February 2002.

Yarl's Wood

Patrick Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what basis detainees who were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February were selected for questioning by the police as part of the criminal investigation into the disturbances at Yarl's Wood.

Beverley Hughes: The selection of detainees who were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February 2002 for questioning by the police as part of the criminal investigation into the disturbances at Yarl's Wood is a matter for Bedfordshire police.

Yarl's Wood

Patrick Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detainees who were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February have been (a) selected for questioning and (b) questioned by the police as part of the criminal investigation into the disturbances at Yarl's Wood.

Beverley Hughes: The criminal investigation being conducted by Bedfordshire police is wide ranging and has involved the questioning of witnesses from a variety of services, companies and agencies as well as detainees at Yarl's Wood. The selection of detainees who were present at Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre on the evening of 14 February 2002 for questioning as part of the criminal investigation into the disturbances at Yarl's Wood is a matter for Bedfordshire police.

Volunteering

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the provision of free checks for volunteers wishing to work with young and vulnerable people in the voluntary sector.

Hilary Benn: We are firmly committed to supporting and promoting all types of volunteering. Therefore the highest levels of disclosures issued by the Criminal Records Bureau—standard and enhanced disclosures, which include those working with children and vulnerable people—are issued free of charge to volunteers in any sector.

Ministerial Visits

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next plans to visit India and Pakistan.

David Blunkett: I have no present plans to visit either India or Pakistan.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

City of London Corporation (Events)

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those functions, engagements and events which Ministers, his officials and advisers have attended which have been sponsored, funded, promoted and hosted by the City of London Corporation since 1997.

Peter Hain: The FCO does not keep central records of events, engagements or functions attended by its Ministers, officials and advisers. The cost of answering this question would be disproportionate.

UK Passport Holders

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate how many UK passport holders are in permanent employment elsewhere in the EU.

Peter Hain: We do not hold information on the specific number of UK passport holders working in other EU countries. This is in keeping with the principle of freedom of movement within the EU, and the need to avoid arrangements which might interfere with individual workers' right to move to and work in other member states.

European Union Satellite Centre

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the European Union Satellite Centre, with particular reference to co-operation with UK-based image analysis agencies.

Mike O'Brien: The EU Satellite Centre supports decision-making under the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular the European Security and Defence Policy, by providing analysis of satellite imagery and collateral data. The UK-based image analysis agency, (Defence Geographical and Imagery Intelligence Agency (DGIA)) has no formal links with the Satellite Centre but the output of the two organisations is co-ordinated to provide the maximum benefit to the UK. As part of this co-ordination, the UK has placed some tasks on the Satellite Centre, including the update of hydrographic charts, evacuation planning and environmental projects.

Israel

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has recently raised the matter of the possession of nuclear weapons by Israel with the Israeli Government.

Mike O'Brien: Nuclear issues were discussed in depth during the latest round of non-proliferation talks with Israeli officials, held in March. They have not recently been raised at ministerial level.
	We continue to urge Israel to resolve international concerns about its nuclear status by acceding to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.

Departmental Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 23 May 2002 by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr. Leslie), Official Report, column 561W.

Unpaid Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 62W, what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of unpaid advisers who have assisted the work of his Department since June 1997 but are not included in (i) the Cabinet Office's annual report 'Task Forces, Ad Hoc Advisory Groups and Reviews 2000–01' and (ii) his previous answer.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 21 May 2002
	I am aware of none.

Yasser Arafat

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Her Majesty's Government's policy is towards the title and status of Mr. Yasser Arafat.

Mike O'Brien: Yasser Arafat is President of the Palestinian National Authority and Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. The Arabic word for "Chairman" and "President" is the same. We use both.

International Labour Conference

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues will be given priority by the Government's representatives on the UK delegation to the International Labour Conference in Geneva in June.

Denis MacShane: As in previous years, the Government delegation will participate fully in a wide range of discussions and will be fully represented in all the relevant Committees at the International Labour Conference. Among the items to which it will give particular attention are: discussions which will lead to new international instruments on co-operatives, and on occupational diseases; a general discussion on the informal economy; the special sitting to discuss Burma/Myanmar; and this year's Global Report on Child Labour. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Member for Croydon, North (Malcolm Wicks), who will be attending part of the Conference, will address a plenary session.

International Labour Conference

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government have taken to implement the resolution on Myanmar adopted at the 88th session of the International Labour Conference in 2000.

Denis MacShane: HMG has over many years fully supported the ILO's efforts to permanently end forced labour in Burma. In 1997 the EC suspended Burma's GSP trading privileges in response to concerns about forced labour.
	In response to the ILO's recommendations of their 88th session, the then Secretary of State for Education and Employment, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) wrote to employers and workers groups in the UK asking them to review their relations with Burma to ensure they were not assisting the continuance of forced labour in Burma. FCO Ministers also met with representatives of Trades Unions and the Director General of the ILO to discuss promoting the ILO's demands in Burma.
	Along with EU colleagues, we have welcomed the appointment of an ILO Liaison Officer in Burma and the recognition that this is an interim step towards the required ILO permanent presence.

International Labour Organisation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government are taking to ensure that states sign the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation.

Denis MacShane: The UK promotes the widest possible ratification of the ILO core conventions and recognises the need for their practical implementation to achieve real change. We take every appropriate opportunity within the ILO itself, and bilaterally, to urge member states to sign up to the 1998 Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work as well as ratify the core conventions.

Middle East

Denzil Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the legal status will be within the EU of the 13 Palestinians who were brought out of Palestine following the end of the siege of the Church of the Nativity.

Mike O'Brien: The 12 Palestinians accepted by Belgium, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal are received on a temporary basis and exclusively on humanitarian grounds. In accordance with the Common Position concerning the temporary reception by member states of the European Union of certain Palestinians, the Palestinians will receive a national permit to enter and stay in the territory of the relevant member state for a period of up to 12 months.

India

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what action he is taking to bring to justice those who have murdered British citizens during the recent disturbances in the Indian state of Gujarat;
	(2)  if he will press the Indian Government to bring to justice those who have murdered British citizens during the recent disturbances in Gujarat;
	(3)  if he will publish the British High Commission report on the disturbances in the Indian state of Gujarat;
	(4)  what discussions he has had with the Indian Government about the conclusions of the British High Commission report on disturbances in Gujarat;
	(5)  what his estimate is of the (a) number of refugees living in camps in the Indian state of Gujarat and (b) number killed in the recent disturbances in Gujarat;
	(6)  what assistance the British Government have provided (a) to help bring peace to the Indian state of Gujarat and (b) to help those made homeless by the recent disturbances there.

Mike O'Brien: We share my hon. Friend's concerns over the recent communal violence and deaths in Gujarat. We have regularly raised our concerns with the Indian Government, both through the Foreign Secretary and via our High Commission in Delhi. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most recently discussed the situation on 16 April with Jaswant Singh, the Indian Foreign Minister. The Indian Government have given us their assurances that they will take action to investigate the violence and to bring to justice perpetrators of the killings, including those who have murdered British citizens. We welcome these assurances. We do not plan to publish any internal reporting from our High Commission in New Delhi on Gujarat.
	An estimated 100,000 displaced people are currently living in refugee camps in Gujarat. According to official Indian Government figures, the number of deaths currently stands at over 900.
	The British Government, through the Department for International Development, are currently assessing the situation with the Government of India, the State Government of Gujarat, select international agencies and local partners. Together, carefully targeted interventions will address the changing needs of those now choosing to return, and those likely to remain in the camps through the monsoon season.

Sierra Leone

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone.

Denis MacShane: The peaceful conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone was a remarkable achievement for a country just emerging from a brutal civil war. The elections mark an historic milestone on Sierra Leone's return to peace and democracy. Britain can be proud of its part in their success. The people of Sierra Leone have given President Kabbah a clear mandate to eradicate corruption, deliver good governance and rebuild the country's shattered institutions and infrastructure. This is an enormous challenge, which will require efforts by the new Government to foster a spirit of national unity, and the sustained commitment of the international community. Britain will continue to play a full part in helping the new Government of Sierra Leone to meet the aspirations of its people.

Visas

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on permitting police officers charged with human rights abuses who request visas to come to the UK for official training.

Mike O'Brien: Each visa application is considered on its individual merits and in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration Rules.

EU Armaments Programme

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy on Spanish proposals for an EU armaments programme.

Mike O'Brien: As agreed at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 13 May 2002, any co-operation on armaments issues will be directly linked to filling the shortfalls in the ESDP Helsinki Headline Goal through the European Capabilities Action Plan (ECAP). Co-operation will respect the principles of voluntary compliance, transparency and avoiding duplication. These steps to enhance European capabilities will make a significant contribution towards the success of ESDP.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Jack Straw: Between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002, special advisers in my Department travelled abroad to the following places. The cost for each visit is included. All travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code, and the Civil Service Management Code.
	
		
			 Date Destination Cost (£) 
		
		
			 Michael Williams   
			 4–5 April 2001 Belgrade and Skopje 182.06 
			 24–25 April 2001 Montenegro 6.37 
			 30 August 2001 Macedonia (15)— 
			 5–6 September 2001 Abuja 392.29 
			 17–18 October 2001 Luxembourg and Turkey 33.74 
			 9–14 November 2001 New York 3,615.50 
			 2–23 November 2001 Iran and Pakistan 135.10 
			 21–23 January 2002 Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi 296.96 
			 26–28 February 2002 India 3,425.17 
			
			 Ed Owen   
			 11 June 2001 Luxembourg 12.43 
			 9 July 2001 Paris (15)— 
			 11–12 July 2001 Washington 4,628.52 
			 17 July 2001 Brussels 380.00 
			 24–27 September 2001 Jordan, Iran, Israel, Palestinian Authority and Egypt 297.84 
			 23–24 October 2001 Washington 3,276.87 
			 19–20 November 2001 Brussels and Barcelona 126.19 
			 6–7 December 2001 Gibraltar 872.40 
			 31 January to 2 February 2002 Washington 4,537.36 
			 12–16 February 2002 Turkey, Israel, Palestinian Authority and Afghanistan 462.36 
			 21 February 2002 The Hague (15)— 
		
	
	(15) No public cost

Detained Palestinians

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what restrictions there are concerning visitors to those Palestinians under the supervision of British wardens in Jericho; and if this is consistent with the conditions of detention as stipulated under the agreement which ended Mr. Yasser Arafat's confinement to his office in Ramallah;
	(2)  what access those Palestinians under the supervision of British wardens in Jericho have to (a) regular phones and (b) cellular phones; and if this is consistent with the conditions of detention as stipulated under the agreement which ended Mr. Yasser Arafat's confinement to his office in Ramallah.

Jack Straw: Under the terms of the agreement, the six detainees should be held in continuous secluded custody. It is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority to ensure the conditions of detention are met and to respond to any concerns raised about the detention arrangements.

Detained Palestinians

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the conditions of detention of those Palestinians under the supervision of British wardens in Jericho.

Jack Straw: The conditions of detention are the responsibility of the Palestinian authorities and are in line with Palestinian law. Under the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the role of the supervisory warders is to verify that the six detainees remain in continuous secluded custody.

Seville Summit

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the stage they wish the enlargement process to have reached by the European Council's meeting at Seville; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The EU has now agreed its position on the Regional Policy, Institutions and Budget chapters allocated to the Spanish Presidency, while leaving aside a limited number of issues that need to be addressed later in the year. We expect a similar approach to enable EU agreement on the Agriculture chapter by Seville, in line with the road map for negotiations.
	The EU remains on track to complete negotiations by the end of this year with those candidates who are ready, so that they can join the EU in 2004, in line with the objective first set by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in October 2000.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of ordinary written questions for his Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Jack Straw: The proportions are as follows:
	
		Per cent. 
		
			 Month Named day Ordinary written 
		
		
			 June 2001 99 — 
			 July 2001 95 — 
			 October 2001 96 80 
			 November 2001 91 54 
			 December 2001 94 55 
			 January 2002 83 67 
			 February 2002 87 61 
			 March 2002 71 58 
			 April 2002 79 58 
			 May 2002 75 54 
			
			 Average 88 60 
		
	
	Note:
	The FCO only started recording the time taken to answer ordinary written questions in October 2001. The statistics for ordinary written questions are compiled on the basis of working days rather than questions answered within a calendar week. The figures above are based on answers provided by the fifth working day after tabling.

Yugoslav Federation

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had at the recent EU General Affairs and Defence meeting in Brussels on 13 and 14 May concerning progress on implementing the accord reached by Serbia and Montenegro to dissolve the Yugoslav Federation and form a new union.

Jack Straw: At the 13 May General Affairs Council, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana briefed EU Foreign Ministers on the current situation concerning the implementation of Serbia and Montenergro agreement. EU Ministers
	"underlined the priority . . . to quickly implement the 14 March agreement".

Yugoslav Federation

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent report he has received concerning the progress on implementing the accord reached by Serbia and Montenegro to dissolve the Yugoslav Federation and form a new union.

Jack Straw: The UK supports the 14 March Agreement on Principles of Restructuring Relations between Serbia and Montenegro. We believe the Agreement will promote stability in the region, and Serbia and Montenegro's integration into European structures.
	The Serbian Parliament and the Montenegrin Assembly ratified the Agreement on 9 April 2002, and the Yugoslav Parliament adopted the Agreement on 31 May 2002. We now look forward to the formation of a commission to draft a constitutional charter. We are fully supporting the efforts of the EU's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Solana, to encourage the parties to make rapid progress.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to his Department; and what assistance is given by officials in his Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Jack Straw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 362W.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to his Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed.

Jack Straw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith), on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 362W.

East Timor

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last raised the imprisonment of Ngawang Sangdrol with his Chinese counterpart.

Denis MacShane: The imprisonment of Ngawang Sangdrol is one of the individual cases that we regularly raise with the Chinese in the context of the biannual UK/China Human Rights dialogue. We most recently raised her case during the dialogue which took place in Beijing on 15 May. In their response, the Chinese said that her sentence had been reduced by 18 months. Her new release date is 3 November 2011.

G8 Summit

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what preparations the Government have made in advance of the G8 Summit in June, with regard to (a) Zimbabwe and (b) Nepal.

Peter Hain: The Canadian chair of this year's G8 Summit wish to focus the agenda on the world economy, terrorism, and the G8's response to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). There are no plans to discuss Zimbabwe as such, though it may be mentioned in the context of NEPAD. There are at present no plans to discuss Nepal.

Liberia

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he will take in relation to reports of Liberia's violations of the UN arms embargo on it.

Denis MacShane: The involvement of President Taylor of Liberia in weapons trafficking and his support for armed groups continue to threaten regional peace and stability. We therefore fully support the decision of the United Nations Security Council of 6 May to extend sanctions against Liberia for a further 12 months through the adoption of resolution 1408(2002). The resolution was co-sponsored by the UK.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further proposals he has to apply pressure to the Zimbabwean Government to respect human rights and property rights.

Denis MacShane: We are deeply concerned about violations of human rights and the continuing disregard for the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
	We will continue to discuss with EU, African and other international partners ways to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates he has made of the number of persons (a) killed and (b) injured as a result of politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe in each month since January 2001.

Denis MacShane: The Human Rights Forum, a Zimbabwean non-governmental organisation, has estimated the number of people killed or tortured as a result of politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe during the months in question is as follows:
	January 2001: 2 killed, 22 tortured;
	February 2001: 0 killed, 9 tortured;
	March 2001: 0 killed, 9 tortured;
	April 2001: 0 killed, 26 tortured;
	May 2001: 0 killed, 47 tortured;
	June 2001: 0 killed, 29 tortured;
	July 2001: 11 killed, 288 tortured;
	August 2001: 1 killed, 170 tortured;
	September 2001: 6 killed, 112 tortured;
	October 2001: 3 killed, 99 tortured;
	November 2001: 6 killed, 91 tortured;
	December 2001: 7 killed, 119 tortured;
	January 2002: 12 killed, 112 tortured;
	February 2002: 39 killed, 525 tortured;
	March 2002: 50 killed, 374 tortured;
	April 2002: 7 killed, 146 tortured;
	1–14 May 2002: 2 killed, 8 tortured.
	Back copies of the Forum's reports can be obtained from its website, www.hrforumzim.com.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates he has made of the number of members in farm workers' families who have been evicted from their homes in Zimbabwe in each month since January 2001.

Denis MacShane: There are no firm estimates available for the number of farm workers and their families who have been displaced in Zimbabwe since 2001. But from media, NGO and other reporting the number can be measured in tens of thousands.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the farms from which he is aware of farm workers' families being evicted in Zimbabwe since January 2001.

Denis MacShane: Farm workers have been displaced from a large number of commercial farms since 2001. But we do not have a specific list. The hon. Member may wish to contact Zimbabwe's Commercial Farmers' Union or the Farm Community Trust of Zimbabwe, who may be able to provide him with details.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for each NDPB and agency sponsored by his Department (a) the maximum retirement age adopted for most employees and (b) their practice on not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Mike O'Brien: It is for individual NDPBs to determine their own policies on the age-limits of those applying for employment, in accordance with existing equal opportunities legislation and good practice guidelines.
	Agencies are bound by the provisions of the Civil Service Management Code. Section 2.1 states:
	"Civil Service equal opportunities policy provides that all eligible people must have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their suitability for the work. There must be no unfair discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, or (in Northern Ireland) community background."

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Mike O'Brien: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recruits people to both the Diplomatic service and the Home civil service.
	Diplomatic servants must be between the ages of 21 and 52. This is to ensure that those joining the service can complete at least one home tour (usually 18 months) and one post abroad (usually three years), before they reach the normal retirement age of 60.
	Home civil servants must be between the ages 16 and 58. This again is to ensure that those joining can complete at least one tour (usually two years) before reaching the retirement age.
	FCO services based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes carry out their own recruitment. They recruit only staff for the Home civil service. Band A support staff must be aged between 16 and 63 and those within the Bands B and D must be aged between 16 and 61.

Gibraltar

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Gibraltar's legal status within the European Union; and what recourse Gibraltar has with regard to disputes with other member states.

Jack Straw: Gibraltar is part of the EU by virtue of the UK's membership and Article 299(4) of the Treaty Establishing the European Community (TEC), which states that the treaty applies to 'European territories for whose external relations a Member State is responsible'. Certain provisions (including the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies and the VAT regime) do not apply, and Gibraltar is not part of the Common Customs Territory.
	The Commission has primary responsibility for ensuring that member states comply with their EU obligations, and may bring infraction proceedings under Article 226 TEC. In addition Article 227 TEC allows a member state which considers that another member state has failed to fulfil an obligation under the treaty to bring the matter before the European Court of Justice.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received concerning the case of Dr. Salai Tun Than, a prisoner held in Insein Prison, Rangoon since 8 February.

Jack Straw: Dr. Salai Tun Than was sentenced to seven years in prison for peacefully expressing his hopes for the swift arrival of democracy in Burma. On learning of his sentence, my hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the House, when Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the FCO issued a public statement condemning his sentence and calling for his immediate release.
	I welcome the release from detention of over 250 political prisoners in Burma since January 2001. But we now need to see the end of politically inspired arrests and the release of all political prisoners.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on plans for international monitors to be sent to Burma to assess the human rights situation following the recent release from confinement of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Jack Straw: The military authorities have long denied access to many parts of Burma. There is no indication of their policy changing at this point. We would welcome international access to all areas of Burma. The ethnic minorities who live in those areas kept closed to the international community suffer disproportionately from human rights abuses.
	The United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and international non-governmental organisations do have a presence in Burma. In addition, the UN special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Sergio Pinheiro, has made three visits to Burma in the last year.
	There is a wealth of information to confirm that the human rights situation is very poor. This was set out in the FCO Human Rights Report of 2001 and the EU co-sponsored resolution at the UN Commission on Human Rights in Burma on the human rights situation in Burma that was passed by consensus in April 2002.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the United States Administration concerning human rights in Burma.

Jack Straw: Officials in London, Rangoon and Washington meet frequently with US colleagues to share information and co-operate on all aspects of Burma policy.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what reports his Department has received concerning the case of Paw U Tun, a prisoner held by the Burmese Government in Sittwe, Rakhine state, since 1993;
	(2)  what reports his Department has received on the case of Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, a prisoner held by the Burmese Government in Insein prison, Rangoon since November 1990;
	(3)  what reports his Department has received concerning the case of Ko Thet Win Aung, a prisoner held by the Burmese Government in Kale prison since October 1998;
	(4)  what reports his Department has received concerning the case of U Win Tin, a prisoner held by the Burmese Government in Insein prison, Rangoon since 1989.

Jack Straw: Our latest information is that Dr. Zaw Myint Maung remains in detention. I welcome the release of over 250 political prisoners in Burma since January 2001. However, we have repeatedly called on the Burmese authorities to move quickly to release all political prisoners including Dr. Zaw Myint Maung.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received concerning ASEM meetings Burma has (a) attended and (b) not attended in the past three years and the reason for Burma's non-attendance at that meeting.

Jack Straw: Burma is not a member of ASEM and is therefore not entitled to attend its meetings.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of how many Burmese nationals attended university in Britain in 2000–01; and how many of these students received a scholarship.

Jack Straw: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures show that 90 Burmese nationals attended university in the UK in 2000–01. Seven of these received scholarships funded or part funded by the FCO. The British Council estimates that each year there are approximately 300 Burmese studying in the UK at all levels, including further education and schools.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department (a) has had and (b) plans to have with the Governments of (i) Malaysia, (ii) Thailand, (iii) Singapore, (iv) Japan, (v) India, (vi) China and (vii) the Philippines concerning human rights abuses by the Burmese Government.

Jack Straw: We have regular discussions with international partners about human rights in Burma including all countries listed in the question. I raised the issue of Burma with the Government of India on 29 May.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to encourage Burmese students to attend universities in Britain.

Jack Straw: The British embassy in Rangoon runs a small scholarships programme in Burma. There is a British council office in Rangoon which promotes British education in Burma. It runs a successful programme of English language teaching and in March held a well attended education fair.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which members of the Burmese Government are on the European Union targeted sanctions list; and what reports his Department has received concerning those on that list who have been turned away from Britain since the sanctions regime was implemented.

Jack Straw: The EU visa ban stops the entry into the EU by senior members of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the Burmese authorities in the tourism sector, senior members of the military and the Government or the security forces who formulate, implement or benefit from the policies that impede Burma's transition to democracy. The details were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities L122 of 24 May 2000, Annex II of Council Common Position 2000/346/CFSP.
	A number of those on the visa ban have applied for a visa to visit the UK. All have been refused.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to promote free and fair elections in Burma.

Jack Straw: Our effort on Burma is focused on bringing about national reconciliation, respect for human rights and the return of democracy. Through the EU Common Position, associated domestic action to discourage trade, investment and tourism, and in the United Nations, we are maintaining concentrated international pressure to realise these goals. I raised the issue of Burma with the Government of India on my visit to New Delhi on 29 May.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstances members of the Burmese Government on the European Union targeted sanctions list are allowed to enter Europe; and which international meetings they can attend.

Jack Straw: There is an exemption in the EU Common Position whereby with the agreement of all member states the ban on the Burmese Foreign Minister may be waived where it is in the interests of the European Union. This was primarily intended to allow Burmese participation at EU/ASEAN Foreign Ministers meetings in Europe.
	EU member states have an obligation under the Charter of the United Nations (UN) to grant certain privileges and immunities to the representatives of other UN member states for the purpose of attending UN meetings held on their territory. A clause allowing EU member states to fulfil their obligations to the UN with reference to people listed on the Burma visa ban was inserted in October 2001 on the recommendation of the European Commission Legal Service.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the European Union concerning human rights in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the European Union's policy towards human rights in Burma.

Jack Straw: We are in constant contact with EU partners on the human rights situation in Burma. The EU negotiated and co-sponsored a resolution on Burma at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in April 2002. The resolution was passed by consensus. The resolution noted continuing grave concern over the situation in Burma despite limited improvements in some areas such as the release of political prisoners and the lessening of the pressure on the National League for Democracy.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Burmese National League for Democracy following the release from confinement of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Jack Straw: British embassy staff in Rangoon have had full and frequent meetings with representatives of the National League for Democracy. Embassy staff have also met with Aung San Suu Kyi. These meetings will continue.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise human rights abuses in Burma at the Foreign Affairs, Industry and Energy meeting on 6 and 7 June in Madrid.

Jack Straw: We expect the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' meeting in Madrid on 6–7 June to be attended by representatives of all Asian partners in the ASEM process. These do not include Burma. We expect the discussions to cover a wide range of issues, including regional developments in Asia, and will raise the situation in Burma as appropriate during these discussions. Burma's neighbours have an important role to play in encouraging positive developments there.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received concerning cases in which an ASEM meeting has been boycotted by a member nation as a result of Burma attending that meeting.

Jack Straw: Burma is not a member of ASEM and is therefore not entitled to attend its meetings.

Burma

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received concerning human rights abuses by the Burmese Government against the (a) Karen, (b) Karenni, (c) Shan, (d) Chin and (e) Kachin people.

Jack Straw: The ethnic minorities, including the Karen, Karenni, Shan, Chin and Kachin, have suffered persistent abuse at the hands of the military authorities. The EU co-sponsored resolution on Burma at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in April 2002 catalogues these abuses and expressed the international community's grave concern.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Yemen) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Albania) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Pakistan) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Macao) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Lithuania) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  what the mandate of the EC-Uzbekistan Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(7)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Central Kingdom of Cambodia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(8)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Uruguay) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(9)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Latvia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(10)  what the mandate of the EEC-Ukraine Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(11)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Palestinian Authority) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(12)  what the mandate of the EC-Kyrgyzstan Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(13)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Chile) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(14)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-China) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(15)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Laos) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(16)  what the mandate of the Joint Co-operation Committee (EEC-ASEAN) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(17)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Estonia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(18)  what the mandate of the EC-Tunisia Association Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(19)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Vietnam) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(20)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Japan) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(21)  what the mandate of the EC-Morocco Association Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(22)  what the mandate of the EC-Azerbaijan Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(23)  what the mandate of the EEC-Slovenia Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(24)  what the mandate of the EC-Moldova Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(25)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Mexico) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(26)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Nepal) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(27)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Romania) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(28)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-India) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(29)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Bulgaria) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(30)  what the mandate of the EEC-Israel Association Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(31)  what the mandate of the EC-Armenia Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(32)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Argentina) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(33)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Paraguay) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(34)  what the mandate of the Joint Council (EEC-Countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(35)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(36)  what the mandate of the EC-San Marino Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(37)  what the mandate of the Association Committees with the countries of central and eastern Europe (EEC-Hungary/Romania/Czech Republic/Slovak Republic/ Poland/Bulgaria) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(38)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Andean Pact) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(39)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Andorra) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(40)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Brazil) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(41)  what the mandate of the EC-Egypt Association Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(42)  what the mandate of the Joint Co-operation Committee (EEC-Canada) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(43)  what the mandate of the EEC-Russia Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(44)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Mongolia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(45)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Sri Lanka) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(46)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Bangladesh) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(47)  what the mandate of the EC-Georgia Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(48)  what the mandate of the EEC-Mercosur Joint Advisory Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(49)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Central America) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(50)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Turkey) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(51)  what the mandate of the EC-Kazakhstan Co-operation Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(52)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Greenland) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(53)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Poland) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(54)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Estonia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(55)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Angola) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(56)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Senegal) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(57)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea Bissau) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(58)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Sao Tomé and Principe) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(59)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Latvia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(60)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Cape Verde) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(61)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Morocco) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(62)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Canada) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(63)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(64)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Russia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(65)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Cote D'Ivoire) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(66)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Comoros) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(67)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Madagascar) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(68)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-New Zealand Joint Committee) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(69)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Equatorial Guinea) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(70)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Seychelles) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(71)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EC-Lithuania) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(72)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Argentina) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(73)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Gambia) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(74)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Mauritania) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(75)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Mauritius) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(76)  what the mandate of the EEC-Denmark-Faroe Islands Joint Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The EU has external agreements with a large number of third countries. These agreements include an article establishing an official level committee to oversee implementation of the agreement. This committee is known as a joint or association committee depending on the nature of the agreement (ie whether it is a Trade and Co-operation Agreement or an Association Agreement). The mandate of the committee is to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement. Specific provisions for the powers or provisions of the committees are set out in the individual agreements.
	The range of work covered by such committees includes economic and trade issues, technical co-operation and, in the case of Association Agreements, political dialogue. The committees are required to meet at regular intervals, usually annually. The UK is represented at the committee at official level, normally by officials from the UK Permanent Representation in Brussels (when the meeting is in Brussels) or by British embassy or high commission officials (when meetings take place in the third country concerned). It is not possible to disaggregate the cost of the committees to public funds as they are part of the EU's wider relations with third countries. Parliament has the opportunity to scrutinise each third country agreement. Mixed competence agreements have to be ratified by all member states. Community-only agreements are considered by the parliamentary Scrutiny Committees prior to their conclusion.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the mandate of the Committee for Protection Against the Effects of the Extra-territorial Application of Legislation Adopted by a Third Country and Actions Based Thereon or Resulting Therefrom (anti-boycott) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: I have been asked to reply.
	It was intended that a Committee for Protection Against the Effects of the Extraterritorial Application of Legislation Adopted by a Third Country and Actions Based Thereon or Resulting Therefrom (anti-boycott) would be established in Brussels to assist EU companies affected by extraterritorial jurisdiction by third countries, and in particular those affected by the extraterritorial aspects of the US trade sanctions against Cuba, Iran and Libya.
	Thus far, the Committee has not been convened. UK companies are obliged to inform Her Majesty's Government and the European Commission of any extraterritorial action taken against them, but while it is clear who would be responsible for representing the UK at any meeting of the Committee, in these times of improved electronic communication, it has not been necessary in practice for it to meet.
	In addition, as part of the 1997 Understanding between the EU and the US, the US undertook to exempt European individuals and companies from the extraterritorial aspects of US legislation drastically reducing the number of cases occurring, thus further reducing the need for the Committee to meet.

Chemical Weapons

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the contributions that have been made to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons by the (a) UK and (b) US since it was formed.

Nigel Griffiths: I have been asked to reply.
	Since the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was formed the UK and the US have each made full payments in respect of their annual assessed contributions.

TREASURY

Council Tax

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is intended to publish the contents of the council tax lists on the internet.

Dawn Primarolo: I am pleased to announce that the Valuation Office Agency have today published council tax lists on the internet. Council taxpayers will be able to access council tax bandings and make appeals online. This follows the Valuation Office Agency's successful online provision of the non-domestic rating lists in 2000 and is an other important step in the process of improving public access to information by electronic means.

Financial Transactions

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will next publish details of United Kingdom financial transactions with European Community institutions.

Paul Boateng: In order to bring details of all UK financial transactions with the EC into a single publication, information which has previously been included in the departmental report of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Department will now be published in the Government's annual White Paper "European Community Finances". This change will take effect from the White Paper to be published in the summer. However, in advance of that, updated versions of tables 14a and 14b from the 2001 departmental report are set out in the tables.
	
		Annexe A—cash payments and receipts -- £ million
		
			   Outturn Estimated outturn 
			  1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–200 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Gross payments(16) 9,278 8,603 10,507 9,207 10,640 9,213 
			 Public sector receipts -4,567 -4,472 -3,950 -3,676 -4,099 -3,293 
			 UK abatement -2,418 -1,563 -2,447 ,2,206 -2,223 -4,427 
			 Net contributions to EC budget(17) 2,293 2,567 4,111 3,325 4,318 1,493 
			 Contributions to reserves and capital of the EIB 15 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Grants received from European coal and steel community -27 -6 (18)— (18)— (18)— -1 
			 Payments to EC budget attributed to the aid programme(19) -464 -408 -520 -519 -621 -717 
			 Net payments to EC institutions (excluding overseas aid)(17) 1,817 2,153 3,590 2,807 3,697 776 
		
	
	(16) Gross payment figures include Traditional Own Resources payments at 90 per cent. (75 per cent. in March 2002). The remaining 10 per cent. (25 per cent. in March 2002) is retained by the UK to cover the costs of administering collection on behalf of the European Community.
	(17) Due to rounding, totals may not exactly correspond to the sum of individual items.
	(18) Signifies receipts of less than £0.5 million.
	(19) For domestic/public expenditure planning purposes, part of the UK's contribution to the Community budget is attributed to the overseas aid programme. The aid programme also includes payments to the European Development Fund, not included here.
	
		Annexe B—forecast of the trend in the UK's contributions -- (20)£ million
		
			   Plans  
			  2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Trended net contributions to European Community budget 2,975 3,225 
			 Contributions to reserves and capital of the EIB 0 0 
			 Grants received from European coal and steel community 0 0 
			 Payments to EC budget attributed to the aid programme(21) -813 -861 
			 Net payments to EC institutions (excluding overseas aid) 2,162 2,364 
		
	
	(20) An exchange rate of £1 = 1.59 euro has been assumed.
	(21) For domestic/public expenditure planning purposes, part of the UK's contribution to the Community budget is attributed to the overseas aid programme. The aid programme also includes payments to the European Development Fund, not included here.

Juvenile Sex Abusers

Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures his Department takes to address the needs of children and young people who sexually abuse; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him by the Minister of State, Department of Health on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 420W.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Pensions of retired civil servants are paid centrally by the Cabinet Office from an unfunded scheme, the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. For information on the PCSPS I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 561W.

Customs and Excise

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many full-time equivalent staff of HM Customs and Excise were based in each county of the United Kingdom (a) in 1997 and (b) in 2001.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Figures are not available in the form requested. Many Customs and Excise staff are not a static resource but highly mobile and deployed on a risk basis.

Customs and Excise

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 90W, on customs officers, to what he attributes the rise in the proportion of complaints against HM Customs and Excise being upheld since 1997–98.

Paul Boateng: Since 1996, Customs and Excise have increased their efforts to publicise their complaints system. The increase in the proportion of complaints upheld between 1997–98 and 1999–2000 followed accompanying measures taken internally to raise staff awareness of the value of complaints in improving customer service, and to improve training and guidance on handling them objectively.
	The increase in the proportion of complaints upheld in 2000–01 reflects technical problems during the transition from regional advice centres to National Advice Service contract centres, resulting in some businesses facing delays in getting through to an adviser. Following the resolution of these problems, there has been a significant reduction in the number of recorded complaints.

Customs and Excise

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the activities pursued by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise that have had a particular impact on the Isle of Wight since 7 June 2001.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The full range of Customs and Excise controls and assurance activities, across the VAT, excise, customs and anti- smuggling regimes, apply equally to the Isle of Wight as to other parts of the UK.

National Insurance

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2002, Official Report, column 806W, on national insurance contributions, if he will calculate for married women paying NICs at the reduced rate, (a) the value of the total employee contributions which would be paid by such women if they were subject to full rate class I contributions instead, (b) the actual value of employee class 1 contributions payable by such women and (c) the value of entitlement to contributory benefits attained by such women, on the same basis as these calculations are made for the self-employed.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 23 May 2002
	Estimates by the Government Actuary's Department, for married women paying at the reduced rate in 2001–02 are in the table.
	
		
			  Amount: £ million 
		
		
			 The amount of primary class 1 contributions reduced rate women would pay if liable to full class 1 rate (22)75 
			 Amount of primary contributions paid at the reduced class 1 rate (22)25 
		
	
	(22) Includes £8 million allocated to the national health service.
	Married women who opt to pay the reduced rate do not receive contributory benefits in their own right, but can receive some benefits based on their husbands' contributions. Contributory benefits are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis, so it is not appropriate to quote a value for the total benefits foregone by married women paying at the reduced rate. This comparison is possible for the self-employed because the main element of the difference between the benefits they receive and those to which employees are entitled is SERPS (now state second pension) and the value of this is represented by the contracted-out rebate. No equivalent valuation, consistent with the nature of the national insurance fund, is possible for the rights to basic retirement pension forgone by married women optants.

National Insurance

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he expects to raise from employers' national insurance contributions by nation and region of the UK for 2002–03.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government Actuary's Department estimate that around £38.5 billion will be received in 2002–03 in employer's national insurance contributions (including class 1A and 1B), this estimate is consistent with the April 2002 Budget.
	A reliable estimate by nation and region is not available.

National Insurance

Michael Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total amount paid by Scotland's (a) health trusts and (b) local authorities in employers' national insurance contributions in (1) 2001–02, (2) 2002–03 and (3) 2003–04, assuming current levels of employment.

Dawn Primarolo: It is estimated that the changes to employer NICs announced in the Budget will add around 0.7 per cent. to pay costs on average next year. The changes will help to fund improvement to public services and a real terms increase in spending on health over the next five years of over 40 per cent.
	I regret that it would be possible to provide more detailed reliable estimates only at disproportionate cost.

National Insurance

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons the number of records on the National Insurance Recording System is lower than the number of national insurance numbers in existence.

Dawn Primarolo: There are approximately 83 million national insurance numbers held on the Departmental Central Index (DCI), against approximately 70 million records held on the National Insurance Recording System (NIRS).
	DCI holds Child Reference Numbers of children under age 16 as well as national insurance numbers allocated to customers who are over retirement pension age. These records are not notified to NIRS, as there is no contribution activity.

National Insurance

David Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he expects to raise from national insurance contributions from employers for the years 2001 to 2004 in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) England and (d) Wales.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates for employers' national insurance contributions (including class 1A and 1B) are in the table. These estimates are consistent with the April 2002 Budget.
	
		Employer NICs receipts (including class 1A and 1B) -- Amount £ billion
		
			  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Great Britain 36.9 37.7 43.6 
			 Northern Ireland 0.8 0.8 0.9 
			 United Kingdom 37.6 38.5 44.5 
		
	
	Reliable estimates for Scotland and Wales are not available.

National Insurance

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taking to ensure that there is parity of treatment between men and women in the application of the NIC rules.

Dawn Primarolo: Men and women pay national insurance contributions, on the same basis, on earnings from age 16 to pension age. Legislation has been introduced to fully equalise the pension age for men and women at age 65 from 2020.

National Insurance

David Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he expects to raise from national insurance contributions from employees for the years 2001 to 2004 in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Wales.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates for employees' national insurance contributions are in the table. These estimates are consistent with the April 2002 Budget.
	
		Employee NICs receipts -- Amount £ billion
		
			  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Great Britain 25.4 26.5 31.3 
			 Northern Ireland 0.6 0.6 0.7 
			 United Kingdom 26.0 27.1 32.0 
		
	
	Reliable estimates for Scotland and Wales are not available.

Euro

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of British overseas trade takes place using the euro.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Customs and Excise conduct an annual survey of trade invoices used by British business for the import and export of goods between the UK and the rest of the world. The survey indicates the extent to which UK traders use the euro as a means of payment for international trade.
	The most recent figures are for 2000 and show that 9 per cent. of EU trade was invoiced in euros, compared to 50 per cent. in sterling. For non-EU trade, 1 per cent. was invoiced in euros, compared to 54 per cent. in US dollars.
	The results for 2001 will be released by end June.

Financial Services Authority

Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Financial Services Authority about changes in fees charged to WI markets under the Registrar of Friendly Societies.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Treasury maintains a regular dialogue with the Financial Services Authority to help both institutions discharge their responsibilities effectively. This has included discussion of fees for which the FSA is responsible in relation to its registration of industrial and provident societies (formerly registered by the Registrar of Friendly Societies).

Public Consultations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his Department since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

Ruth Kelly: All public consultations undertaken by the Treasury are listed on the Treasury's website (http:// www.hm-treasury.gov.uk).
	Data on consultations are not held centrally and could not be collected except at disproportionate cost.

Bee Diseases Insurance Ltd.

James Paice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from Bee Diseases Insurance Ltd. regarding the impact of tax and regulatory costs.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government receive a number of representations from a variety of organisations regarding a range of different issues.

Population Statistics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of men and women in England who will be at each age from 18 to 30 years in 2010.

Ruth Kelly: The latest projections of the number of men and women aged 18 to 30 in England in the year 2010 are given in the following table:
	
		Figures in thousands 
		
			 Age Males Females 
		
		
			 18 348 332 
			 19 354 339 
			 20 350 335 
			 21 350 337 
			 22 356 344 
			 23 350 340 
			 24 350 340 
			 25 351 341 
			 26 341 331 
			 27 345 332 
			 28 345 330 
			 29 349 333 
			 30 352 338 
		
	
	Source:
	Government Actuary's Department, 2000-based national population projections

Population Statistics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the numbers of (a) men and (b) women in England at each age from 18 to 30 years.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question concerning the number of men and women in England at each age from 18 to 30 years. I am replying in his absence. (59713)
	The estimates of the number of people of these ages are available for mid-2000 on the National Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.uk. The specific address for the mid-2000 population estimates is: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/ theme_population/PENo3/PENo3_v3.pdf and from this page you should select Table 4 for the data you require.

Population Statistics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the percentages of 17 year olds in England who reside (a) with both their natural parents, (b) with one parent and a step-parent, (c) with a single parent, (d) with adoptive or foster parents, (e) in custody or in care and (f) independently.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on the percentage of 17 year olds in England who reside (a) with both their natural parents, (b) with one parent and a step-parent, (c) with a single parent, (d) with adoptive or foster parents, (e) in custody or in care and (f) independently. I am replying in his absence. (59709)
	Estimates of the percentages of 17 year olds living in private households in 2001 in England in the first four of these categories may be made using the Labour Force Survey, and are shown in the table below.
	
		Percentages of 17 year olds living in private households in 2001
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 (a) with both natural parents 64 
			 (b) with one parent and a step-parent 8 
			 (c) with a lone parent 21 
			 (d) with foster parents 0.2 
			 (e) other family and non-family situation 7 
		
	
	Source:
	Labour Force Survey
	Some information for category (e) is available from the Department of Health and the Home Office. The total number of 17 year olds in care (including those in foster care) in 2001 in England was 4,000, representing about 0.7 per cent. of the total. In addition, there were 1,456 young offenders aged 17 in custody in England and Wales in 2000, about 0.2 per cent. of the total.

Small Businesses

James Paice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the changes to the tax burden on unincorporated small businesses and of that on incorporated small businesses since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: Since 1997 the Government have introduced numerous measures to help both incorporated and unincorporated business, including: making 40 per cent. first year capital allowances permanent, implementation of the Carter Review of payroll services, cutting the small companies rate of corporation tax from 23 per cent. to just 19 per cent., introducing a 10p starting rate of income tax and introducing measures to ease the impact of VAT on small business.

Tax Credits

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to publicise the increased children's tax credit for families in which a child has recently been born.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue has arranged for application forms for children's tax credit to be placed in "Bounty packs" which are given to mothers at around the time of the birth of their baby. Information is also including in the pack that Bounty provide for mothers during pregnancy and for when their baby is about three to five months old. Additionally, a parent may get an application form by ringing the Inland Revenue helpline on 0845 300 1036 or downloading it from the Inland Revenue's website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.

Tax Credits

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people he expects to start claiming (a) the child tax credit and (b) the working tax credit, in (i) April 2003, (ii) October 2003 and (iii) April 2004.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the "The Child and Working Tax Credits" in the series 'The Modernisation of Britain's Tax and Benefit System, Number 10, April 2002', which states that around 5¾ million families are expected to benefit from the child tax credit. Some of these families will also receive the working tax credit as will other low-income working households. Families with children receiving income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance will not need to make a separate claim for the new tax credits. During the transition period, they will continue to receive IS/JSA but with enhanced child premia rates.

Corporation Tax

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on double taxation treaties of disallowing the discounting of financial costs against the supplementary charge on oil and industry corporation tax.

Dawn Primarolo: The supplementary charge should be creditable under most of the UK's double taxation agreements, but this is ultimately a matter for our treaty partners.

Corporation Tax

Kerry Pollard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend the reduction in corporation tax to small companies that trade as unincorporated businesses; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Djanogly) on 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 2624W.

Gas Pipelines

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the various rates of taxation for gas pipelines within the United Kingdom and on the rationale for the differences.

Dawn Primarolo: Since the special taxation regime for UK oil and gas was introduced in the 1970s, oil and gas pipelines associated with particular fields have received the same tax treatment as the fields themselves. This reflects the fact that the pipelines are an integral part of the overall development of the fields concerned. Because the tax regime that applies to a field, and therefore its associated pipelines, depends on the date on which the filed was given development consent, pipelines associated with different fields can have different tax treatments.

Gas Pipelines

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Treasury has received from tax on gas pipeline tariffs in each year since 1997–98; and how much revenue the Treasury predicts it will receive from tax on gas pipeline tariffs in 2002–03.

Dawn Primarolo: Companies pay corporation tax on their overall profits, including those from the tariffing of oil and gas pipelines. From the data available reliable estimates of the tax attributable to gas pipeline tariffs cannot be made.

North Sea Oil and Gas

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the Treasury adjusted its oil revenue predictions after the discovery in January of the Buzzard field.

Dawn Primarolo: Oil was first discovered in the Buzzard field in June 2001. Data for the Buzzard field were included in the forecasts of North sea revenues for both the 2001 pre-Budget report and the 2002 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

North Sea Oil and Gas

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason he did not formally consult the oil industry prior to announcing changes to the fiscal regime in the 2002 Budget.

Dawn Primarolo: In 1998 the Government started consulting on the reform of North sea taxation. Ever since then the options for reform have been subject to detailed analysis and discussion.
	In last year's Budget the Chancellor said
	"as we consider the next steps for taxation in the North sea, our approach will be guided not by short-term factors but by the need for a regime that raises a fair share of revenue and promotes long term investment."
	It has become clear that the option of reintroducing PRT now would have imposed substantial compliance and administrative costs on the industry.
	The Government have therefore decided that the simpler approach of a supplementary charge buttressed by specific and generous investment incentives is the right one, and that to ensure certainty for the industry going forward it was right to announce this as a firm decision in the Budget.
	The Government are consulting on the appropriate timing of the abolition of the royalty.

North Sea Oil and Gas

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what incentives exist for oil companies to increase their exploration and appraisal drilling in the North sea.

Dawn Primarolo: Before the changes announced in the Budget, companies were already entitled to 100 per cent. first year relief for exploration and appraisal drilling. In future, companies will also have 100 per cent. first year allowances for the capital expenditure on subsequent development of discovered oil and gas fields. This will increase the overall post-tax rate of return on exploration and appraisal.

North Sea Oil and Gas

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with which companies he has had discussions regarding planning to build new gas pipelines to Bacton.

Dawn Primarolo: Ministers and civil servants have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals as part of the process of policy development and analysis. As with previous Administrations it is not this Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists.

North Sea Oil and Gas

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 28W, on oil and gas industry (taxation), if he will publish data that have been agreed by the industry as not commercially sensitive.

Dawn Primarolo: The Economic Secretary to the Treasury explained in full the methodology the Government used on 9 May 2002, Official Report, columns 362–63. The analysis was based on commercially sensitive information.

Vehicle Excise Duty

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the vehicle excise duty on cars according to the carbon dioxide rating.

Paul Boateng: All new cars purchased on or after 1 March 2001 are subject to the graduated system of vehicle excise duty (VED). Under this system, the amount of VED payable is related to carbon emissions, the lower the emission rate the lower the VED payable therefore providing an incentive to motorists to purchase cleaner, less polluting cars.

Vehicle Excise Duty

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what vehicle excise duty concessions are allowed to owners of cars with a cc rating of less than 1549; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Cars registered before 1 March 2001 with engines of 1549 cc or less qualify for the reduced rate of vehicle excise duty which currently stands at £105 per year, £55 less than the standard rate. Cars first registered after 1 March 2001 are liable for VED on the basis of their carbon dioxide emissions, and many of those with engines up to 1549 cc will qualify for the lower bands of VED.

Vehicle Excise Duty

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 732W, on excise duties, what the level was of receipts associated with forestalling of road fuel duties in April 2002; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: As stated in paragraph C50 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, it is estimated that around £0.2 billion in receipts was associated with the forestalling of road fuel duties. However, there is no direct way of measuring forestalling.

Aggregates Levy

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Treasury predicts it will raise from the aggregates levy by (a) nation and (b) region of the UK for 2002–03.

Paul Boateng: Revenue forecasts for the aggregates levy were published in Table C.7 of the FSBR. These are not broken down by either national area or by region.

Aggregates Levy

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a review date has been set when the effectiveness of the aggregates levy at increasing the use of recycled aggregate will be assessed.

Paul Boateng: As with all taxes, the effect of the levy will be continually monitored as part of the Budget process. Its effect on recycled aggregates will be evaluated in due course as data become available.

Aggregates Levy

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many full time staff members at HM Customs and Excise have responsibility for ensuring that questions from quarry operators regarding the provisions of the aggregates levy are answered.

John Healey: Customs has the equivalent of around 230 full-time staff nationally dealing with written and telephone inquiries about all Customs and Excise taxes, including the aggregates levy. In addition, there are about 30 environmental taxes assurance staff, who will deal with questions raised on aggregates levy visits. Complex questions may be referred to six specialist aggregates levy support staff.

Scottish Devolution

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to transfer the administration of reserved powers and functions of the Treasury, its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies within its remit from the Treasury to the Scotland Office.

Paul Boateng: None.

Scottish Devolution

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many representations the Scottish Executive has made to his Department since May 1999 broken down by (a) Scottish Executive Department, (b) subject and (c) date;
	(2)  how many times his office has made representations to the Scottish Executive since May 1999, broken down by (a) the Department approached, (b) subject and (c) date.

Paul Boateng: Information is not available in the form requested. Both formal and informal contacts take place regularly between Government Departments, including the Treasury, and Departments of the Scottish Executive.

Regional Organisations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what regional organisation his Department has; and if he will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Paul Boateng: The Treasury does not have a regional organisation.

Whisky Duty

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is being done to bring whisky duty in to line with other alcohol tariffs by level of alcohol content.

Paul Boateng: The duty on spirits has been frozen in the last five Budgets and a bottle of whisky is now 73p less expensive than it otherwise would have been. The freezes have narrowed the duty differential and the duty on spirits is now 34 per cent. lower (in real terms) than it was 20 years ago.
	The Chancellor will continue to take decisions on a Budget by Budget basis, taking into account all relevant factors including the position of UK spirits producers and various duty differentials.

Government Borrowing

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated effect would be on UK net borrowing for the current year if the UK GDP grows at (a) 1.75 per cent., (b) 1.5 per cent. and (c) 1 per cent. rather than the projected rate.

Paul Boateng: Paragraph C18 of Budget 2002 gives estimates of the relationship between net borrowing and the output gap.

Government Borrowing

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Treasury classes as a prudent and acceptable level of (a) deficit spending for the UK Government and (b) total national debt as a percentage of GDP.

Paul Boateng: The Government set fiscal policy to meet their fiscal policy objectives and their two strict fiscal rules:
	the golden rule: that, over the economic cycle, the Government will borrow only to invest and not to fund current spending; and
	the sustainable investment rule: that public sector net debt as a proportion of GDP will be held, over the economic cycle, at a stable and prudent level, currently defined as below 40 per cent. of GDP.
	Further detail showing the Government are projected to meet their fiscal rules over the next five years can be found in Table 2.5 on page 31 of the April 2002 Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report.

Government Borrowing

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what UK net borrowing was in each year since 1992; and what the predicted UK net borrowing in each year from the current year to 2008 is.

Paul Boateng: The available estimates of public sector net borrowing for the UK, expressed in financial years and as a percentage of GDP, are set out in Tables C23 and C2 of Budget 2002.

2001 Census

Edward Davey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his latest assessment is of the results from the 2001 Census; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Edward Davey, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales has been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what the latest assessment is of the results from the 2001 Census. I am replying in his absence.
	The first results from the 2001 Census in England and Wales, giving resident population counts for each local authority area, are planned to be published in later summer. The attached press release, issued on Thursday 30 May, gives further details. These counts will form the base for the Registrar General's mid-year estimates of the population for 2001. A summary of key statistics, covering a range of census topics, is planned for publication around the end of 2002. The full local area results will follow in several tranches throughout the first half of 2003.

2001 Census

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will include a question on British Sign Language usage in the 2011 census, in the format of Question 9 in the 2001 census.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. James Gray, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales has been asked to reply to your recent question regarding the inclusion of a question on British Sign Language usage in the 2011 Census, in the format of Question 9 in the 2001 Census. I am replying in his absence.
	The questions to be included in any future Census, will be decided nearer the time. I would expect, as in previous censuses, that the final question content will reflect a widespread need for information not available from other sources and will be based on extensive consultation, including parliamentary debate.

Credit Card Debt

Tom Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average credit card debt owed by an adult in the UK.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Tom Harris, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on average credit card debt. I am replying in his absence. (58871)
	Based on figures for amounts outstanding on credit cards of £43.2 billion at the end of March 2002, and a resident population of 46.7 million adults at mid 2002, credit card debt divided by adult population in the United Kingdom is about £900.

Office for National Statistics

Brian Cotter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses have been required to supply information on their returns to the Office for National Statistics in each of the past three years.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Brian Cotter, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking how many businesses have been required to supply information on their returns to the Office for National Statistics in each of the past three years. (59187)
	The total number of enterprises receiving forms for the three years you require is as follows:
	
		
			 Year Number of enterprises 
		
		
			 1999 262,232 
			 2000 274,324 
			 2001 270,045 
		
	
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics

Office for National Statistics

Brian Cotter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information businesses are required to supply to the Office for National Statistics; and in which legislation this requirement lies.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Brian Cotter, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what information businesses are required to supply to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and in what legislation this requirement lies. (59192)
	The ONS requires businesses to supply information on their structure, level of employment and the earnings of its employees, and financial data such as their turnover, sales, prices, stocks and capital expenditure. This information is collected through a range of monthly, quarterly and annual business surveys, with the short term surveys asking for aggregate level data, while the annual surveys seek more detailed structural data. Each business survey is subject to regular review to reassess its continued need. The sample size for each survey is set at the minimum level consistent with the need to produce aggregate statistics for use by the Government in its economic monitoring and planning. Full details of all the business surveys carried out by the ONS are included in the ONS Compliance Plan for 2002 to 2004 which will be available on the ONS website www.statistics.gov.uk/other on the 29th of May.
	The information sought from businesses by the ONS is collected under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. The Schedule to the 1947 Act allows for the collection of the following:
	The nature of the undertaking (including its association with other undertakings) and the date of its acquisition; the persons employed or normally employed (including working proprietors), the nature of their employment, their remuneration and the hours worked; the output, sales, deliveries and other services provided; the articles acquired or used, orders, stocks and work in progress; the outgoings and costs (including work given out to contractors, depreciation, rent, rates and taxes, other than taxes on profits) and capital expenditure; the receipts of and debts owed to the undertaking; the power used or generated; the fixed capital assets, the plant, including the acquisition and disposal of those assets and that plant and the premised occupied.
	The Statistics of Trade Act (Amendment of Schedule Order) 1963, allows for the collection of data relating to assets (other than fixed capital assets) and liabilities of the undertaking, including the acquisition and disposal of those assets and the incurring and discharge of those liabilities; prices of articles and services.
	The Statistics of Trade Act (Amendment of Schedule Order) 1987 allows for cases where the undertaking is related to a body situated outside the United Kingdom: the nature and extent of the relationship; the nature and extent (and any changes therein) of the financial interest of the one body in the other; the country in which the related body is situated; particulars in respect of issued share capital, minority shareholders' interests, loans, reserves and provisions as recorded in the accounts of the undertaking or such particulars in respect of the related body where it is under the control of the undertaking; net gains or losses of the undertaking attributable to changes in exchange rates, being gains or losses arising out of the relationship; where the undertaking is not a company incorporated in the United Kingdom, its net value to the related body and where the related body is not a body corporate, its net value to the undertaking.
	The Statistics of Trade Act (Amendment of Schedule) Order 1990 allows for the collection of data relating to income (including rents, interest and investment income) received or receivable by the undertaking; dividends and interest paid or payable; profits; losses; taxes paid or chargeable on income or gains; services acquired or used.

Still Births

Ian Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 to allow the parents of children who die between 18 and 24 weeks gestation to register a still birth.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Ian Lucas, dated 10 June 2002
	The Registrar General and National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary question concerning what plans there are to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act to allow parents of children who die between 18 and 24 weeks gestation to register a still-birth. I am replying in his absence. (59689)
	There are no plans to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 to redefine the gestational age at which a still-birth which must be registered.

Adoption Orders

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many adoption orders were made in each year since 1991.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Registrar General. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales has been asked to reply to your recent question, concerning the number of Adoption Orders made in each year since 1991. I am replying in his absence. (60572)
	I refer you to Mr. Cook's letter of 22 May which answered PQ 57193 (Hansard vol. 386 no. 152), concerning the number of Adoptions since 1990. The granting of an Adoption order effectively means the same as an Adoption being registered in the Adopted Children Register, since the order is the legal basis for the registration.

Family Historians

Martin Caton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the availability of the Registrar General's information to family historians.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Martin Caton, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales has been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what plans there are to increase the availability of the Registrar General's information to family historians. I am replying in his absence. (60577)
	The Government's proposals for modernising civil registration in England and Wales are contained in the White Paper "Civil Registration: Vital Change" published on 22 January 2002, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House. The White Paper sets out a new framework for access to information about births, marriages and deaths held by the Registrar General.

Birth Statistics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) boys and (b) girls were born in England in each year from 1980 to 1992.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of (a) boys and (b) girls born in England in each year from 1980 to 1992. I am replying in his absence. (59712)
	The figures are given in the table below.
	
		Total number of live births by sex in England(23), 1980 to 1992
		
			 Year Male Female Total 
		
		
			 1980 316,441 301,930 618,371 
			 1981 307,134 291,029 598,163 
			 1982 302,764 286,947 589,711 
			 1983 304,936 288,319 593,255 
			 1984 307,436 293,137 600,573 
			 
			 1985 317,809 301,492 619,301 
			 1986 319,585 304,024 623,609 
			 1987 330,027 313,303 643,330 
			 1988 334,898 319,465 654,363 
			 1989 332,583 316,774 649,357 
			 
			 1990 341,353 325,567 666,920 
			 1991 338,715 322,091 660,806 
			 1992 334,365 317,419 651,784 
		
	
	(23) Births are to mothers who were resident in England at the time of the birth
	Source:
	Key population and vital statistics—Series VS.

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters were received by each Minister in his Department in each month since June 1997.

Paul Boateng: The information in the detail requested is not kept or readily available.

Broadband

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Office of Government Commerce Broadband Feasibility Group's report on the aggregation of public sector demand will be published.

Paul Boateng: Ministers will make an announcement on the key recommendations from the OGC broadband procurement feasibility study in the summer.

Working Families Tax Credit

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of additional households which will become eligible for the working families tax credit when the children element of the tax credit is increased by £2.50 in June.

Dawn Primarolo: It is not possible to provide such an estimate as the surveys on which such an estimate would be made are too small to provide a reliable estimate of the number of families newly eligible because of the increase of £2.50 in the basic element of the working families tax credit.

Ministerial Direction

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times in each year since 2000 his Department has been notified of a ministerial direction as provided for in the procedures set out in paragraphs 12 to 15 of the Treasury document entitled, "The Responsibilities of an Accounting Officer"; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: I refer to the answer given by my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith), to the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. Bacon) on 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 253W and to my own further answer of 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 1037W.

Parliamentary Questions

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons paragraph 42 of his Department's guidance notes on parliamentary questions dated March states that briefings should include supportive statements from members of the Opposition; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: In order to present as complete a picture as possible of the issue concerned.

Parliamentary Questions

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of draft parliamentary answers that his Department prepared in January were amended by special advisers prior to final approval by the Minister; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: Ministers are responsible for the answers they give to parliamentary questions.
	The Treasury does not maintain records relating to the number of occasions on which Special Advisers have contributed to the drafting of answers. It would, in any case, be inappropriate to disclose information concerning internal consultations on parliamentary questions, as provided for by Exemption 2 of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to his Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them was appointed;
	(2)  what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to his Department; and what assistance is given by officials in his Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Ruth Kelly: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 372W.

LIBRA Project

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis the LIBRA project was described as completed in his Department's evidence to the Treasury Committee in January 2000; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: The Lord Chancellor's Department's project LIBRA was a Treasury Taskforce Significant Project. The LIBRA contract was signed in December 1998. Annexe B of the Treasury's memorandum dated 1 November 1999 to the Treasury Committee, showed progress on Treasury Taskforce Significant Projects. Those projects where the contract had been signed, and thus the Treasury taskforce's involvement had been successfully completed, were noted as being "completed".

White Papers

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in the past 12 months confidential final revise proof copies of White Papers have been made available under embargo to (a) the Lobby and Upper Gallery and (b) members of other organised groups of correspondents, before publication; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 23 November 2001, Official Report, column 584W.

Public Services Productivity

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 1106W, on public services productivity, what seminars his Department plans on the paper; what research his Department plans to commission on the paper; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: In preparing the paper, as with the public services agenda more widely, the Treasury is taking account of the wide range of expertise and research findings, including the advice of the Public Services Productivity Panel. The Treasury organises seminars on a variety of issues where such discussions can help guide policy.

Growth and Stability Pact

Michael Howard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the French Government about the operation of the growth and stability pact.

Ruth Kelly: I refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 574W.

Greater London Economy

Tom Cox: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with business representatives on the performance of the Greater London economy; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The Chancellor and other Treasury Ministers meet regularly with business representatives from all regions and countries of the UK, including Greater London. These discussions cover a wide range of issues, and the Government values the insights gained.

Poverty

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the role of international trade in the reduction of poverty in the poorest countries.

Ruth Kelly: In the last 40 years those developing countries which have managed to be more open and trade more in the world economy have seen faster growth rates than those which have remained closed. From the early 1970s to the early 1990s, developing countries that were able to pursue growth through trade grew at least twice as fast as those that kept their tariffs high and their doors closed to imports and competition.
	Full trade liberalisation could lift at least 300 million people out of poverty by 2015. Even diminishing protection by 50 per cent. in agriculture and in industrial goods and services would increase the world's yearly income by nearly $400 billion: a boost to growth of 1.4 per cent. All countries and regions stand to benefit, with developing countries gaining an estimated $150 billion a year and higher than average increases in GDP growth.
	The WTO's new trade round, referred to as the Doha Development Agenda, contains a package of commitments to progress in areas that will lead to major gains for developing countries and the poorest people in these countries.
	We need an approach which ensures that Poverty and Social Impact Assessments are undertaken of key reforms, including trade, to ensure that policy options and trade-offs are discussed, and that reforms are properly designed. Where negative consequences exist, appropriate measures should be put in place to protect vulnerable countries and people from an overly rapid transition to a system of liberalised trade. The IMF and World bank have committed to undertake Poverty and Social Impact Assessments of reforms, and to promote the integration of trade into developing countries' poverty reduction strategies. We are working hard to support this process.

Capital Modernisation Fund

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total funding allocation has been awarded to the Capital Modernisation Fund for the financial years (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; and what the breakdown of expenditure was in monetary terms and percentage terms per annum for (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Paul Boateng: Table 1.11 in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2002–03 (CM 5401) sets out the Capital Modernisation Fund allocations made to each Department and to the devolved Administrations. The allocations to the devolved Administrations relate to devolved matters only and are calculated according to the Barnett formula.

Performance Targets

Tony Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the performance targets that his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are required to meet, apart from those set out in the public service agreements for 1999 to 2002 and 2001 to 2004; and if he will specify for each target (a) who sets it and (b) who monitors achievement against it.

Ruth Kelly: Performance targets are set out in each Department's Public Service Agreement and supported by detailed Service Delivery Agreements. Other targets devised by Departments, their agencies and non- departmental public bodies (NDPBs) do not fall within the framework of "performance targets" as established by the Treasury. All the formal performance targets for HM Treasury and its agencies—the Debt Management Office, the National Investment and Loans Office and the Office of Government Commerce—are set out in HM Treasury's 2002 departmental report (Cm 5425), which is due to be published shortly. The NDPBs for which the Chancellor is responsible—the Public Services Productivity Panel, the Statistics Commission and the Royal Mint Advisory Committee on the Design of Coins, Medals, Seals and Decorations—publish information, following best practice, on their role and achievements in their annual reports, but do not have performance targets that are within the framework as defined above.

Invest to Save Budget

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total funding allocation has been awarded to the Invest to Save Budget for the financial years (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; and what the breakdown was of expenditure in monetary terms and percentage terms per annum for (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Paul Boateng: In the years 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03 funding was allocated to projects in England, with funds allocated to the other regions in accordance with the Barnett consequentials calculations. The exceptions to this were projects whose scope encompassed the UK. It should be noted that projects led by the police in Wales are eligible for funding under the allocation for England as the Police Service for England and Wales is still a unitary body.
	Allocations for England in 2003–04 are dependant on the successful bids from the fifth bidding round of ISB. With allocations to the other regions being decided in accordance with the Barnett consequentials calculations. The maximum budget for 2003–04 is £50 million for all regions.
	Allocations in 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03 were as follows (figures rounded up) 1 :
	
		
			  Wales  
			  England(25) Scotland Barnett Non-Barnett(26) Northern Ireland  
			  (£000) (Percentage) (£000) (Percentage) (£000) (Percentage) (£000) (Percentage) (£000) (Percentage) 
		
		
			 2000–01 60,444 87.3 4,997 7.2 2,269 3.3 — — 1,561 2.3 
			 2001–02 61,073 81.8 8,802 11.8 4,189 5.6 325 0.4 318 0.4 
			 2002–03 69,080 87.3 5,702 7.2 2,665 3.4 — — 1,717 2.2 
		
	
	(24) This table give the total amount allocated to projects for their duration, this will not necessarily be the amount drawn down by Departments in that year.
	(25) This includes ISB projects with a UK wide scope.
	(26) Projects with only Welsh police as partners.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on the Community's own resources is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee on the Communities' Own Resources are set out in Articles 20 and 21 of Council Regulation (EC, EURATOM) No. 1150/2000.
	During the past 12 months, the committee has met on five occasions (two for Traditional Own Resources, one for VAT, one for Forecasting and one for Audit). In accordance with Article 20 of Regulation No. 1150/2000, each member state shall be represented on the committee by no more than five officials. The UK is usually represented by one or two officials from HM Customs and Excise except in the case of the Forecasting meeting which is usually attended by two officials from HM Treasury and one from HM Customs and Excise.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
	The items currently under consideration by the Advisory Committee are questions concerning the application of the regulation especially in relation to financial statements and irregularity reports provided by member states, inspection from the Commission, and audit procedures.
	Accountability and transparency to Parliament is ensured by the regular EU scrutiny process. After consulting the Advisory Committee the Commission produces a summary report for the previous financial year which is sent to the European Parliament and Council. The report is submitted to Parliament with an Explanatory Memorandum which is examined by the Scrutiny Committees.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Confidentiality of Statistics Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the European Union Confidentiality of Statistics Committee. (58445)
	The roles and responsibilities of the Confidentiality of Statistics Committee are set out in articles 7 and 8 of Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) 1588/90 of 11 June 1990.
	Since the start of May 2001, the Committee has met twice. The UK is represented by one senior official from the Office for National Statistics.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	The Committee is purely advisory. It deals with general issues relating to ensuring that data provided in European releases to the public and researchers maintain the confidentiality of individual's information and advises the Commission accordingly.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Committee on monetary, financial and balance-of-payments statistics is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the European Union Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of payments statistics (CMFB). (58443)
	The role and responsibilities of the CMFB are set out in European Council Decision 91/115/EEC of 25 February 1991, amended by Council Decision 96/174/EC of 26 February 1996.
	Since the start of May 2001, the Committee met twice. The UK is represented by one senior official from the Office for National Statistics and one representative from the Bank of England.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	Items currently under consideration include statistical requirements for the conduct of monetary policy in the euroarea, financial services statistics, structural indicators, public finance statistics, quality indicators and developments in balance of payments statistical collection systems.
	The Committee is purely advisory with its opinion published alongside relevant Eurostat Decisions.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Committee on the European Communities Statistics Programme is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the European Union Statistical Policy Committee. (58439)
	The role and responsibilities of the Statistical Policy Committee (SPC) are set out in Council Decision 89/382/EEC(Eurotom) of 19 June 1989.
	Since the start of May 2001, the SPC met four times. As National Statistician I am the UK representative, with the Committee rules allowing an alternate.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	The Committee is currently discussing a range of issues related to the requirements for European statistics. In addition, the SPC is the nominated comitology committee for a range of EU statistical legislation.
	Proposals for significant statistical legislation are subject to co-decision. They are submitted to Parliament along with Explanatory Memoranda and are examined by the Scrutiny Committees. Minor changes are subject to comitology procedures.
	Together with Member States, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the European Advisory Committee on statistical information in the economic and social spheres (CEIES) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the European Advisory Committee on Statistical Information in the Economic and Social Spheres (CEIES). (58442)
	The role and responsibilities of the CEIES are set out in Decision 91/116/EEC of 25 February 1991. As National Statistician I am a member of CEIES. In addition, the Council may appoint 2 representatives from each member state. These members act in a personal and honorary capacity.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	CEIES is purely advisory. It assists the Council and Commission to undertake statistical policy decided by the EU. They advise on the objectives, priorities, and nature of information require to support EU policy.
	Since the start of May 2001, the committee met once in plenary and organised thematic seminars as follows:
	Labour market statistics—towards enlargement 14–15 November 2002
	Innovative solutions to providing micro-data 26–27 September 2002
	Active aging 13–14 May 2002
	The economy: Key measurement issues 4–5 March 2002
	Agricultural statistics and consumer information—meeting new needs 19–20 November 2001
	Inflation in Europe—different measures and their uses 4–5 October 2001
	Measuring lifelong learning 25–26 June 2001
	Health and safety at work EU statistics 10–11 March 2001
	Attendance at thematic seminars organised by the Committee is by open invitation.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the mandate of the EEC-Latvia Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the mandate of the Customs Co-operation Committee (EEC-Turkey) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the mandate of the Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Norway) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what the mandate of the EEC-Slovak Republic Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  what the mandate of the Customs section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland-Liechtenstein) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  what the mandate of the Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Iceland) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(7)  what the mandate of the European Economic Area Joint Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(8)  what the mandate of the EEC-Poland Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(9)  what the mandate of the EEC-San Marino Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(10)  what the mandate of the EEC-Cyprus Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(11)  what the mandate of the EEC-European Free Trade Association Joint Committee (and working parties) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(12)  what the mandate of the EEC-Canada Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(13)  what the mandate of the EEC-Malta Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(14)  what the mandate of the EEC-Korea Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(15)  what the mandate of the EEC-Russia Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(16)  what the mandate of the EEC-Czech Republic Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(17)  what the mandate of the EEC-Estonia Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(18)  what the mandate of the EEC-Romania Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(19)  what the mandate of the EEC-Hungary Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(20)  what the mandate of the EEC-Andorra Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(21)  what the mandate of the EEC-Bulgaria Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(22)  what the mandate of the EEC-Albania Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(23)  what the mandate of the EEC-Slovenia customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(24)  what the mandate of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland) on the simplification of inspections and formalities (and working party) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(25)  what the mandate of the Joint Committees with the countries of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
	(26)  what the mandate of the EEC-Lithuania Customs Co-operation Subcommittee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: All of the committees listed have been set up by the council in accordance with obligations under agreements between the EC and the third country or economic grouping in question. They normally meet annually (one year Brussels, the following year in the subject country). Their aim is to maintain co-operation agreements in the customs field, particularly in exchanging information.
	HM Customs attends preparatory council meetings (approximately six per year) which co-ordinate, as part of a wide ranging agenda, for the bilateral EC/third country committee meetings.
	Travel expenses for two officials are reimbursed by the Commission. The usual cost of overnight accommodation and subsistence per day per official is 217.95 euro (£134.70). HM Customs officials do not normally attend the bilateral meetings.
	In the Customs area, the EC has exclusive competence and leads in the bilateral meetings, normally accompanied by the member state holding the presidency. If, exceptionally, there is a point of direct interest to the UK, representatives from the permanent representation in Brussels would attend the meeting.
	Accountability and transparency to Parliament are ensured by the regular EU scrutiny process. Prior to agreement at the various councils (ECOFIN, JHA, GAC), documents are submitted to Parliament along with explanatory memoranda and are examined by the European Scrutiny Committees.
	EEC-Albania Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59036)
	Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Iceland) (59052)
	EEC-Romania Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59028)
	EEC-Malta Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59044)
	European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) (59040)
	EEC-Latvia Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59032)
	EEC-Korea Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59048)
	EEC-Poland Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59030)
	EEC-Andora Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59046)
	EEC-Slovak Republic Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59026)
	EEC-Estonia Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59034)
	EEC-European Free Trade Association Joint Committee (and working parties) (59050)
	Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland) on the simplification of inspections and formalities (and working party) (50937)
	Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Norway) (59053)
	EEC-Czech Republic Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59029)
	EEC-Cyprus Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59045)
	EEC-Slovenia Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59025)
	European Economic Area Joint Committee (59041)
	EEC-Hungary Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59033)
	EEC-Canada Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59049)
	EEC-Lithuania Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59031)
	Customs Co-operation Committee (EEC-Turkey) (59047)
	EEC-Russia Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59027)
	EEC-San Marino Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59043)
	EEC-Bulgaria Customs Co-operation Sub-Committee (59035)
	Customs section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland- Liechtenstein) (59051).

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Committee on the harmonisation of the compilation of gross national product at market prices is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated May 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the Harmonisation of the Compilation of Gross National Product at Market Prices Committee. (58444)
	The role and responsibilities of the Harmonisation of the Compilation of Gross National Product at Market Prices Committee are set out in Council Directive 89/130 EEC (Euratom) of 13 February 1989.
	The GNPmp committee has met twice since May 2001. The UK is represented by one senior official from the Office for National Statistics.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	The committee is currently discussing a range of issues relating to methodologies used in constructing the estimate of GNP and outstanding reservations under ESA79. It also ratified member countries' GNP returns prior to submission to the European Court of Auditors. In addition, the Committee is the nominated comitology committee for a range of EU National Accounts statistical legislation.
	Proposals for significant statistical legislation are subject to co-decision. They are submitted to Parliament along with Explanatory Memoranda and are examined by the Scrutiny Committees. Minor changes are subject to comitology procedures.
	Together with Member States, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/ 468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final.

Suicides

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many suicides took place (a) on the Isle of Wight and (b) in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland in each year since 1997.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Andrew Turner, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many suicides took place (a) on the Isle of Wight, (b) in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland in each year since 1997. I am replying in his absence. (60531)
	The most recently available information is for deaths in 2000. Figures for each year from 1997 to 2000 are given in the table below.
	
		Number of deaths from suicide and undetermined whether purposely inflicted or not(27) occurring (a) on the Isle of Wight and (b) in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland, 1997 to 2000(28)
		
			 Calendar year 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 (a) Isle of Wight 9 20 22 15 
			 (b)(i) England 4,685 4,830 4,857 4,618 
			 (ii) Scotland 874 878 874 876 
			 (iii) Wales 296 324 331 303 
			 (iv) Northern Ireland 139 144 145 194 
		
	
	(27) Causes of death were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes E950-E959 and E980-E989 excluding E988.8 in England and Wales, E950-E959 and E980-E989 in Northern Ireland, and E950-E959 and E980-E989 in Scotland for 1997 to 1999. For Scotland data for 2000 were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34
	(28) Figures for England and Wales are for deaths occurring in each calendar year. Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Self-assessment

David Rendel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many penalty notices for £0.00 have been issued by the Inland Revenue in respect of late submission of self-assessment forms in each year for which figures are available since the self-assessment regime was introduced.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue does not hold details of the number of nil penalty notices issued in respect of self assessment returns submitted late.

The Budget

Nick Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the amounts (a) in current prices, (b) in constant 2000–01 prices and (c) as percentages of personal income taken by (i) income taxes, (ii) national insurance contributions, (iii) value-added tax, (iv) other central Government indirect taxes, (v) the aggregate of (i) to (iv), (vi) average council tax payments and (vii) the aggregate of (i) to (iv) for (1) a single person, (2) a married couple without children, both working and (3) a married couple with two children, husband in work, wife not working, in each case as at (A) 50, (B) 75, (C) 100, (D) 150 and (E) 200 per cent. of average earnings for the financial year 2001–02, taking account of changes announced in his Budget statement and previously announced changes and for each of the years (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000, (e) 2000–01 and (f) 2001–02.

Dawn Primarolo: The measures announced in the most recent Budget (including those measures announced just prior to the Budget) have no impact on the years from 1996–97 to 2001–02.

Income Tax

Nigel Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are expected to pay income tax in each of the next four years.

Dawn Primarolo: Available estimates of the number of income taxpayers are given in the table.
	
		
			 Year Number (thousands) 
		
		
			 1999–2000 27,000 
			 2000–01(29) 27,900 
			 2001–02(30) 27,800 
			 2002–03(30) 28,300 
			 2003–04(30) 29,700 
		
	
	(29) Provisional
	(30) Projected
	These estimates are based upon the Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the April 2002 Budget.

Consultation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many consultation documents and consultative drafts of legislation have been issued by his Department since January 2001; and what proportion of these have observed Criterion 5 of the Code of Practice on Written Consultation.

Ruth Kelly: The Treasury has issued 37 consultation documents since January 2001. A list of consultations including their launch dates and closing dates is available on the Treasury's website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

Royalty Tax

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legislative arrangements are necessary for the abolition of royalty tax on UK oil and gas production.

Brian Wilson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government intend, subject to consultation on the appropriate timing, to abolish North sea royalty. Royalty is paid as one of the considerations for petroleum production licences issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, but only in respect of production from oil and gas fields for which development consent was given before 1 April 1982. The Government propose that the abolition of North sea royalty from these fields will be achieved by an irrevocable renunciation of the right to take royalty from licensees from the date chosen for abolition. I expect to issue a consultation paper on this subject to industry in the near future.

Energy Efficiency

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to the Treasury will be (a) at the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years of moneys redirected from the Climate Change Levy revenues to the Carbon Trust, broken down into (i) the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme, (ii) the Environment and Energy Helpline, (iii) Administration of the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme for investments in energy-saving technologies, (iv) the Low Carbon Innovation Programme and (v) other programmes or schemes.

Michael Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
	The Carbon Trust was set up in April 2001 by the UK Government to help UK business and public sectors to move towards a sustainable, low carbon economy while maintaining business competitiveness. The Carbon Trust has initial allocations of around £31 million per year of climate change levy (CCL) receipts for its first three years.
	The allocation of expenditure by the Carbon Trust between its activities is a matter for the Carbon Trust, subject to ministerial approval of its overall programme. However, I understand that the Carbon Trust expects to allocate around £75 million to the Low Carbon Innovation Programme over three years, subject to annual approval.
	In addition the trust expects to allocate approximately £1.5 million of CCL receipts this financial year to manage, develop and promote the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme which the trust is soon to take over. The remainder of the Carbon Trust CCL receipts will be used to support the development and enhancement of its other programmes, including the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, for which it will receive separate funding from DEFRA.
	The Carbon Trust will be regularly assessing the effectiveness of its programmes and expects to revisit the funding allocations between its activities under review.

Tax Concessions

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 24 April 2002, Official Report, column 336W, on tax concessions, what the time scale is for the review; whether there will be a specific review team; whether there will be (a) external and (b) independent advisers; and whether external consultations will be carried out.

Dawn Primarolo: The Chancellor announced a review of the residence and domicile rules as they affect the tax liabilities of individuals in his Budget statement. The work of the review is being undertaken by the Inland Revenue and HM Treasury. They are facilitating consultation by writing directly to representative bodies and other interested parties, inviting their contributions. They would also be pleased to hear from other sources. The Government will report on this issue in time for the pre-Budget report.

Earnings and Income

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many non-domiciled residents of the UK are residents for tax purposes in the UK and have earnings and income in other tax jurisdictions.

Dawn Primarolo: I regret that this information is not available.

National Insurance Fund

Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the surplus in the National Insurance Fund was in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: The available figures for Great Britain are provided in the table. These figures were provided by the Government Actuary's Department.
	
		
			 Year Surplus (£ million)(31) 
		
		
			 1997–98 1,871 
			 1998–99 2,669 
			 1999–2000 2,161 
			 2000–2001 4,841 
			 2001–02 4,793 
		
	
	(31) Excess of receipts over payments

Self-employment

Michael Howard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of self- employed likely to incorporate as a result of the corporation tax changes and changes to national insurance contributions for the self-employed announced in the Budget.

Dawn Primarolo: Possible behavioural responses to Budget measures, including increased levels of incorporations, informed the careful analysis of the Exchequer effects set out in the Financial Statement and Budget Report. It is not normal Government practice to give details of the underlying analysis.

Self-employment

Michael Howard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the non-revenue benefits for (a) the self-employed and (b) the Treasury which derive from the trend of greater incorporation of self-employed businesses.

John Healey: Businesses themselves are best placed to assess the relative benefits of different legal structures, and to decide which is most appropriate for them. Incorporation, self-employment and partnership each offers a range of benefits to small businesses. The choice as to whether to incorporate or not is influenced by multiple factors, many of which are firm-specific, for example the personal circumstances of the owner(s).
	Government policy is to raise UK productivity by creating an environment which stimulates enterprise. Our economy will benefit from successful, growing businesses whatever structure those businesses choose to use.

Industrial and Provident Societies

David Maclean: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the policy of the Government on changing the fees paid by industrial and provident societies; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The setting of fees is the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority in relation to the duties it performs under the relevant industrial and provident societies Acts. The Government are aware of concerns that have been expressed about the fee structure being developed by the FSA. However, the new level of fees has not yet been finalised and through consultation the FSA is seeking to ensure that the interests of the sector are fully considered.

Highly Indebted Poor Countries

Harold Best: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money is held in trust for highly indebted poor countries.

John Healey: As of the end of 2001, the UK has been holding in trust a total of £1,057,200 for six countries. We continue to use international and bilateral meetings to urge other creditors to follow our lead on this policy.

Projected Revenues

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2002, Official Report, column 933W, on projected revenues, what proportion of the change in forecast capital receipts is due to the maturing of capital gains tax taper relief; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Table C7 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report shows capital gains tax receipts are forecast to fall from £2.9 billion in 2001–02 to £1.8 billion in 2002–03. Around 20 per cent. of this forecast reduction in receipts is attributable to the maturing of capital gains tax taper relief.

Stamp Duty

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 1 May 2002, Official Report, column 886W, on stamp duty, how many properties in financial year 1999–2000 were sold in designated wards where the consideration did not exceed £150,000; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The stamp duty relief for disadvantaged areas came into force on 30 November 2001. Since that date we have exempted from stamp duty properties in qualifying areas where the consideration or premium for a lease does not exceed £150,000. We estimate the number of properties sold in 1999–20000 for a consideration of less than £150,000 in the subsequently qualifying wards to be in the region of 120,000 (of which about 40,000 are estimated to have a consideration of greater than £60,000).

Stamp Duty

Debra Shipley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the European Commission investigation into stamp duty relief for deprived areas; what steps are being taken to ensure a speedy resolution of the investigation; what impact the continuation of the investigation has on the implementation of his policy on stamp duty relief for deprived areas; and if he will use other forms of financial support for development in these areas.

John Healey: The extension of the stamp duty relief for disadvantaged areas for non-residential property above the £150,000 limit is currently subject to a state aid investigation by the Commission. Such investigations are normal for an innovative scheme such as this which does not conform precisely with any existing Commission guidelines. The investigation is necessary to establish whether the measure will adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest and it gives interested parties, including other member states, a chance to comment. We are working closely with the European Commission to progress matters as quickly as possible. Those purchasing property for amounts up to £150,000 in the areas which qualify for the relief are already benefiting from the measure. In addition to the stamp duty relief, the Urban White Paper fiscal measures package provided a cut in VAT to 5 per cent. to encourage renovation and conversion of existing property; 100 per cent. capital allowances for creating flats over shops, 150 per cent. accelerated tax credits to help clean-up contaminated land; and the Government are now implementing the Community Development Venture Fund which will also support enterprise and regeneration in these areas.

Fuel Duty

Bill Tynan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has carried out to ascertain whether fuel duty differential encourages people to buy more environmentally friendly cars.

John Healey: Fuel duty differentials have proved very successful in encouraging the introduction of cleaner fuels such as ultra-low sulphur petrol and diesel throughout the UK. In addition, favourable duty rates for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) combined with purchase grants through the Government sponsored PowerShift programme have led to a substantial increase in the number of LPG vehicles from less than 6,000 in 1996 to around 65,000 now.

Labour-only Subcontractors

John Lyons: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many labour-only subcontractors are registered in the United Kingdom; and how many were registered in (a) 2000 and (b) 1999.

Dawn Primarolo: I regret that it would be possible to provide an answer only at disproportionate cost.

Climate Change Levy

Gregory Barker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total revenues were he would have received during 2001–02 as a result of the climate change levy, had all those eligible paid the levy at the full amount.

John Healey: Projected revenue and revenue outturns from the climate change levy were published in the Financial Statement and Budget Report 2002 in Table C.7. Projected revenues from individual measures (including exemptions) are in Table A.1 and are discussed on page 167. There is no reliable estimate for the cost of the reduced rate for energy intensive users and horticultural producers.

WORK AND PENSIONS

"Open to Change"

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the "Open to Change" advertisements have cost to run in national and local media; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The cost of the "Open to Change" campaign is £2.78 million.
	"Open to Change" builds on two successful earlier campaigns to promote the DDA and the Disability Rights Commission. This campaign was designed to increase awareness and understanding of the DDA among specifically small and medium sized service providers. In particular, "Open to Change" publicises how these providers will have to make their services accessible to disabled people under the final phase of the Act, which comes into force in 2004.
	The campaign encourages service providers to take action, seek advice on how their business could be adapted to meet legal requirements and improve the services they offer to disabled customers. It signposts SMEs to the Disability Rights Commission as a source of advice and support.

Rail Journeys (Staff)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy that rail journeys undertaken by staff in his Department should ordinarily be on standard class tickets.

Ian McCartney: DWP staff are advised to use the most efficient and economic means of travel having regard to the management benefit and the needs of disabled people. The guidance issued has regard to these principles outlined in section 8 of the Civil Service Management Code.
	Within DWP the use of public transport is encouraged as part of our environmental programme and rail travel is ordinarily standard class. However, senior executive officer grades and above who are a minority of the total number of staff undertaking business journeys in DWP are entitled to travel first or executive class as one of their 'Terms and Conditions' of Employment. This is approved on the basis that the additional space and less crowding enables these people to work while they are travelling as well as affording greater privacy for the handling of sensitive papers. For long distance peak-time services the additional cost involved is more than offset by the work produced and time saved. All staff are expected to travel standard class when the length of the journey is insufficient to enable them to work productively.

Entertainment Costs

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was spent by departmental special advisers on food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for official entertainment purposes in each of the last five years.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 9 April 2002
	Nothing. Special advisers are not permitted to authorise such expenditure.

New Deal

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance he issues on the proportion of money allocated to training under the new deal to be spent on (a) administration and (b) training delivery.

Nick Brown: No guidance is issued on the proportion of money allocated to new deal training which may be spent on administration and delivery.
	Contracting staff in Jobcentre Plus follow guidance on how to evaluate and approve bids from organisations interested in delivering new deal provision. The guidance contains criteria against which the quality of how a provider intends to deliver their services are measured. This guidance, the Approved Provider Procurement and Contracting Guidance, is commercial in confidence. However, organisations wishing to contract with Jobcentre Plus are provided with supporting information at both stage 1 and stage 2 of the contracting process. This includes a high level overview of both the evidence required to support the application to gain 'approved' status and the evaluation criteria used within the competitive bidding round.
	The providers who win the contracts are monitored during the life of the contract to ensure that they deliver to the standards they proposed in their bids and to support continuous improvement in the quality of their delivery.
	In addition, new deal provider guidance supplements the delivery, quality and administrative requirements which are set out in provider contracts by detailing the records providers need to retain to support audit trail requirements.

New Deal

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Battersea constituency found permanent employment as a result of New Deal for (a) long-term unemployed 25 plus, (b) lone parents, (c) disabled people and (d) 50 plus in each of the years since they were introduced.

Nick Brown: The available information is in the table.
	
		Total number of people entering sustained employment(32) in Battersea, up to the end of January 2002
		
			  New Deal 25 plus(33) New Deal for Lone Parents(34) New Deal 50 plus(34) 
		
		
			 1998–99 37 8 (35)— 
			 1999–2000 72 62 (35)— 
			 2000–01 70 69 12 
			 2001–02 54 49 22 
			  
			 Total 233 188 34 
		
	
	(32) Sustained employment is defined as employment lasting more than 13 weeks.
	(33) In April 2001 New Deal 25 plus was extended and enhanced, to provide a flexible, more individually-tailored service to help more people get jobs and remain in them.
	(34) Figures for sustained employment are not available for the New Deal for Lone Parents and the New Deal 50 plus. The figures given are therefore the total number of jobs gained.
	(35) Figures not available as the New Deal 50 plus was only introduced nationally from April 2000.
	Note:
	Information on the New Deal for Disabled People is not available at constituency level.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Battersea constituency have benefited from the New Deal.

Nick Brown: Our New Deal programmes have helped nearly 1,000 people into work in Battersea. Detailed information is in the table which follows. As well as those who have been helped to jobs, many more have benefited from the programmes in other ways. The New Deals give people the skills, experience and confidence to improve their prospects of getting a job in the future.
	
		
			 Programme Total number of participants up to the end of January 2002 Total number of people entering jobs up to the end of January 2002 
		
		
			 New Deal for Young People (36)1,274 467 
			 New Deal 25 plus (36)1,243 284 
			 New Deal for Lone Parents 508 188 
			 New Deal 50 plus 34 34 
		
	
	(36) A number of these participants will have remained on the programmes beyond January, and of these many will enter jobs as a result of their participation.
	Note:
	Information on the New Deal for Disabled People and the New Deal for Partners is not available at constituency level.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

Benefit Administration Costs

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the (a) total cost and (b) cost per claimant of administering (i) retirement pension, (ii) winter fuel payments, (iii) free television licences for the over 75s, (iv) minimum income guarantee, (v) child benefit, (vi) family credit and (vii) housing benefit.

Ian McCartney: Information is not held in the format requested. The Department accounts for its administrative, and programme, expenditure in accordance with its key objectives, which are published in the Department's Public Service Agreement (PSA), and the individual Requests for Resources (RfRs), which are published in the Department's Main Estimate.

Advisory Commission Mandate

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the mandate of the Audit Board of the Administrative Commission on social security for migrant workers is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: The Audit Board works under the authority of the Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers, which has issued Decisions defining its composition and working methods as specified in Article 101 of Regulation (EEC) 574–72. The functions of the Audit Board are set out in Article 102 of that Regulation. Its duties in practice relate exclusively to health care costs. Specifically, it is tasked to collect the data and perform the calculations required by Title V of Regulation 574–72, to give the Administrative Commission details of the implementation of Regulations (EEC) 1408–71 and 574–72 particularly as they relate to health care finance, to submit to the Administrative Commission proposals on the calculation of annual average healthcare costs in respect of each member state, to lay before the Administrative Commission each year a statement of the healthcare costs claims position between the member states, and to carry out such other work as may be referred by the Administrative Commission.
	The Audit Board normally meets twice a year in Brussels. It is chaired by the presidency of the day, and UK representation is normally two or three officials from the Department of Health. Costs to UK public funds are limited to expenses of approximately £550 per person for a one-day visit and £700 for a two-day visit, less any reimbursement provided by the European Commission.
	The next meeting of the Audit Board will last one day and will consider the annual average cost papers submitted by seven member states together with work on the annual statement of claims. Any proposals made by the Audit Board to the Administrative Commission would, if subsequently adopted by the European Commission, then be subject to UK parliamentary scrutiny.

Domestic Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what plans he has to amend regulations to provide benefits to survivors of domestic violence subject to the one year immigration rule;
	(2)  what plans he has to amend regulations to exempt survivors of domestic violence subject to the one year rule on immigration from the non-recourse to public funds rule.

Malcolm Wicks: Provisions already exist to allow victims of domestic violence to claim social security benefits. Provided that the Home Office is satisfied that a marriage has broken down due to domestic violence, it can apply a concession to the one year immigration rule, giving the victim indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, and therefore access to the benefits system.
	We have no plans to introduce regulations to give people who are subject to the one year immigration rule access to benefits before the Home Office has considered the particular circumstances of a case and has proof of domestic violence. To do so would undermine the general principle that those who are subject to immigration control have no access to the benefits system.

Verification Framework

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 23 April 2002, Official Report, column 202W, on the verification framework, if he will place a copy of 'The Cost of the Verification Framework', DSS Operational Research, Analytical Services Division 2A, published in April 2001, in the Library.

Malcolm Wicks: A copy of the survey report has been placed in the Library.

Automated Credit Transfer

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has in place to educate benefits claimants regarding the use of automated credit transfer when it is introduced for payments in 2003.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department is currently planning an information campaign to give customers the information they need about the move to paying directly into bank/building society accounts.

Child Poverty

Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families with children in Glasgow, Cathcart constituency have moved out of poverty since 1 May 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: Poverty is a complex multi- dimensional issue, affecting many aspects of children's lives—including income, health, housing, the quality of their environment and opportunities to learn. There is therefore no single measure of the number of families with children that have moved out of poverty in the Glasgow, Cathcart constituency.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to his Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed.

Ian McCartney: Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Parliamentary Questions

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will answer the questions regarding SchlumbergerSema and his plans to publish the Department's report on medical services' performance against quality targets tabled on 1 May.

Nick Brown: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to him on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 541W.

Parliamentary Questions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will reply to the question from the hon. member for Northavon, of 17 April, ref, 50989.

Ian McCartney: I have answered the question today.

Public Consultations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his Department since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the former Department of Social Security and parts of the Department for Education and Employment. The data requested are included in the table. Consultation documents are issued directly to interested parties which the Department recognises have a special interest in the issue. In accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice they are also published on the departmental and UK online websites.
	
		
			  Title of consultation  Number of respondents Percentage of those specifically consulted who responded 
		
		
			 Amending the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 13 15 
			 Occupational Pension Scheme Winding up Notices and Reports (etc.) Regulations 2001 29 51.7 
			 Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Amendment Regulations 2001 17 30 
			 Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Contracting-out)—draft miscellaneous amending regulations 75 47 
			 Changes to Invalid Care Allowance 133 30 
			 The Minimum Funding Requirement: The next stage of reform. Consultation on the draft Occupational Pension Schemes (Minimum Funding Requirement and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2001 140 19 
			 Private Pensions Simplification 119 53 
			 Bulk transfer of accrued pensions rights without member consent 19 43 
			 Revised code of practice for gathering of information as required in Social Security Fraud Act 2001 1 1 
			 Consultation exercise on Pension Scheme Trustees, Independent Custodians and Encouraging Shareholder Activism 102 (37)20 (38)32 (39)1 
			 Member nominated trustees and directors 22 30 
		
	
	(37) Overall
	(38) GB
	(39) Northern Ireland

Retirement Age

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list for each NDPB and agency sponsored by his Department (a) the maximum retirement age adopted for most employees and (b) their practice on not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Ian McCartney: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sponsors 10 Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), as follows:
	Non Departmental Public Bodies Sponsored By DWP
	Executive Bodies
	Disability Rights Commission (DRC)
	Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra)
	Pensions Compensation Board (PCB)
	Remploy Ltd
	Advisory Bodies
	Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC)
	Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board (DLAAB)
	Industrial Injury Advisory Council (IIAC)
	National Employment Panel (NEP)
	Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)
	Tribunal Bodies
	Pensions Ombudsman (PO).
	Of these, only the Executive Bodies actually employ staff.
	Disability Rights Commission (DRC)
	DRC employ staff directly and have no restriction on the age at which employees retire. In addition they have no upper age limit for applicants.
	Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra)
	Opra directly employ staff and also have a number of DWP staff (civil servants) on loan:
	For those staff directly employed by Opra there is no maximum retirement age. However, these staff are part of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme and as such will be governed by the pension scheme rules. The rules for DWP staff on loan are the same as for the rest of the department, namely that they can choose when they retire between ages 60 and 65.
	There is no maximum age restriction for new staff recruited by Opra (as DWP staff on loan to Opra leave, they are replaced by Opra employees).
	Pensions Ombudsman (PO)
	The staff employed by PO are actually civil servants and are therefore covered by the PCSPS rules, ie the normal retirement age being 60, but with staff having the option of staying on up to 65.
	Remploy
	Remploy directly employs staff and the maximum retirement age for most employees is 65. They have no restrictions on the age of people recruited.

Retirement Age

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department enforces a maximum retirement age for most staff; and whether it has a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Ian McCartney: Civil Service equal opportunities policy provides that all eligible people must have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their suitability for the work. There must be no unfair discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, or (in Northern Ireland) community background.
	All L/C in DWP, below the Senior Civil Service, are able to choose to remain in employment beyond the age of 60 for any period of time up to the age of 65. Staff over age 60 are subject to the same terms and conditions as staff under age 60. No special reviews of performance are applied.
	The Department's flexible approach to age retirement allows staff to continue to work in their current grade and, subject to business need, to seek promotion to a higher grade or voluntarily to downgrade. Subject to business need staff may also choose to work full or part time.
	In line with the Civil Service equal opportunities policy, applications for employment or reinstatement are considered from individuals up to the retirement age of 65.

British Sign Language

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to recognise British Sign Language as an official language; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to the hon. Member for Coventry South, (Mr. Jim Cunningham), on 14 May 2002, Official Report, column 582W.

British Sign Language

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to have British Sign Language recognised as an official language.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 14 May 2002, Official Report, column 582W.

British Sign Language

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will commission an independent study of the demography of the British Sign Language community.

Maria Eagle: The Department has undertaken some feasibility work into a research project on the incidence and demography of BSL use. This involved discussions with research organisations, academics, and a meeting with representatives of organisations of and for deaf people. The work identified concerns about the robustness of the data which such a project might produce, its acceptability to stakeholders including deaf people themselves and the length of time it would take. We are considering what other research might be undertaken which would add to our understanding of the extent of BSL use and demography.

British Sign Language

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many British Sign Language interpreters there are in the UK.

Maria Eagle: There is no central record of the number of people working as British Sign Language interpreters in the UK. The Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People, The Association of Sign Language Interpreters, and the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters all maintain directories of BSL interpreters registered with their respective organisations. These do not, however, provide a comprehensive record of interpreters both active and available for assignment. The Department will shortly publish a research report that includes an examination of BSL interpreter provision in England, Scotland and Wales. The field work was undertaken in 1999 and 2000. Preliminary estimates are that 257 qualified and trainee interpreters were available for work in England and Wales and 27 in Scotland.

Benefit Payment Methods

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to pay state benefits weekly into bank or building society accounts; and if he will make a statement on his policy in this regard.

Malcolm Wicks: From 2003, customers will be able to receive payments into their bank/building society accounts on a weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly, 13-weekly or yearly basis. The precise frequency will depend on the payment rules which apply to the particular benefit they are receiving.

Housing Benefit

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what representations he has received to review the operation of housing benefit rules, with specific reference to the clawback threshold;
	(2)  what representations he has received on the amendment of the housing benefit rules in respect of accommodation for homeless people.

Malcolm Wicks: When a homeless person in temporary accommodation provided by a local authority claims housing benefit, the local authority must pay the full amount of benefit in respect of the rent for which the homeless person is liable. However, the amount of subsidy paid to reimburse local authorities for benefit paid in these circumstances is subject to a threshold above which only a proportion of benefit is reimbursed, and a cap, above which nothing is reimbursed. These limits are intended to ensure that the tax-payer does not subsidise unreasonably expensive accommodation. However, there are no circumstances in which we will "claw back" subsidy.
	From April 2002, we introduced changes to the subsidy limits to encourage local authorities to use better quality accommodation in housing homeless people, and to ensure that even more families have the chance of a more permanent home. From that date, the subsidy rate for privately-leased accommodation was increased, while the rate for board and lodging accommodation remained the same.
	There have been no formal representations about these changes.

New Direct Bank

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 48W, on the New Direct Bank, what the basis was for the statement by Baroness Hollis on 23 April, regarding benefits being paid via new direct banks.

Malcolm Wicks: This was a convenient turn of phrase used by my noble Friend the Minister for Children and the Family (Baroness Hollis), during the Second Reading of the Tax Credits Bill in another place. It was not intended to intimate an official name change for the universal banking services package currently being developed by the Post Office.

Pension Service

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Greenock and Inverclyde (David Cairns) of 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 32W, on the Pension Service, if he will list the areas in which a direct local service has been introduced since 1 April.

Ian McCartney: The local service is being introduced on a phased basis from 1 April 2002 and, on current planning assumptions, will be in place nationwide by October 2002. In the meantime we will continue to provide a full service to our customers as we do currently, for example home visits, caller services in DWP offices, local information/outreach work and the central claims lines. Our customers will continue to deal with their local social security office until the national service is in place.
	At this early stage, we are undertaking preparatory work and are making good progress. Recruitment is well under way and a full training programme is also in place to ensure that our staff are equipped with the necessary tools to provide an improved and dedicated service to our customers.

Pensions

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost of the basic state pension in (a) 2010, (b) 2020, (c) 2030, (d) 2040 and (e) 2050 if increased in line with (i) prices and (ii) earnings.

Ian McCartney: The information requested is in the table.
	
		Expenditure on basic state pension -- £ billion
		
			  Price up-rating Earnings up-rating 
		
		
			 2010 42.5 49 
			 2020 46.5 63 
			 2030 56.5 91 
			 2040 61.5 118.5 
			 2050 61 139 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Price up-rating column is consistent with Government policy of up-rating by 2.5 per cent. or inflation, whichever is the greater.
	2. 2002–03 price terms.
	3. Figures rounded to nearest £0.5 billion.
	4. Based on figures supplied by Government Actuary's Department.
	5. Real earnings growth from 2012–13 is assumed to be 1.75 per cent.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Leslie) on 23 May 2002, Official Report, columns 561–63W.

Pensions

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the starting salary is for a decision maker within the Department.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The function of decision making is delegated by the Secretary of State to people in the Department who are suitably trained and have the requisite skills and experience to do the job. The salary for people making decisions is not decided directly by their role but by the normal rules governing salary progression. The salaries of people undertaking decision making duties will therefore depend upon their level of seniority and length of service and could be at any point on the salary scale.
	The following table gives the lower and upper limits of the appropriate salary scales.
	
		£ 
		
			   National pay range  Outer London pay range  Inner London pay range  
			  Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum 
		
		
			 Administrative assistant 9,120 11,940 10,940 13,880 11,750 14,700 
			 Administrative officer 11,020 14,710 12,920 16,880 13,720 17,700 
			 Executive officer 14,770 19,920 16,050 21,860 16,850 22,680

SCOTLAND

Mental Health Services

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans her Department has to regulate counselling, psychotherapy and clinical psychology services provided in Scotland.

Anne McGuire: There are no such plans at present. The Health Professions Council, established on 1 April 2002, can propose the extension of its remit to health professions which are not currently regulated. Under the Health Act 1999, any orders to implement such a proposal would have to be approved by the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

Scottish Criminal Review Commission

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will place in the Library a copy of the annual report of the Scottish Criminal Review Commission.

Helen Liddell: Copies of the first and second annual reports of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, covering the periods 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, will be placed in the Library as soon as possible. I understand that the report for 2001–02 is due to be published shortly.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Petrol Retailers Association

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  when the Minister of State will write to the Director of the Petrol Retailers Association following the meeting held at Stormont on 24 September 2001;
	(2)  what the outcome of the meeting held between the Minister of State and the Petrol Retailers Association on 24 September 2001 was; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I met with the Petrol Retailers Association in September last year and subsequently looked into the issues raised with me about the illicit oils market in Northern Ireland. I wrote to the Petrol Retailers on 30 April responding to the points raised. My letter included the latest estimate of United Kingdom revenue loss from legitimate cross border shopping and from all types of fraud in the Northern Ireland fuels sector; the steps taken by Customs to address fraud in the Northern Ireland fuels sector, with an illustration of the results being achieved; and the measures included in this year's Budget to further address the problem.

Petrol Retailers Association

Quentin Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the outcome was of the meeting between the Petrol Retailers Association and the Minister of State on 24 September 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I met with the Petrol Retailers Association in September last year and subsequently looked into the issues raised with me about the illicit oils market in Northern Ireland. I wrote to the Petrol Retailers on 30 April responding to the points raised. My letter included the latest estimate of United Kingdom revenue loss from legitimate cross border shopping and from all types of fraud in the Northern Ireland fuels sector; the steps taken by Customs to address fraud in the Northern Ireland fuels sector, with an illustration of the results being achieved; and the measures included in this year's Budget to further address the problem.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Claims)

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in settling post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric illness claims; what method he has adopted to process these claims; how many have been completed and at what cost; what target he has drawn up for maximum time to be taken in dealing with individual claims; and how many new claims have been submitted in the past 12 months.

Jane Kennedy: To date the PSNI has registered 2,512 post-traumatic stress disorder claims from serving or retired officers, 2,012 of the claims have been received within the last 12 months. None has yet been finalised. The majority of the cases are to be taken forward by way of a group action, rather than individually. It is not possible to indicate likely timescales for dealing either with the group action or individual claims as decisions on the cases will be taken after due consideration with legal advisers/counsel.

Accommodation Costs

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years.

Jane Kennedy: The Department does not separate hotel costs from other overnight subsistence. The following totals include other allowances payable for staying overnight while working away from home.
	
		Details of the Department's(40) total expenditure on overnight subsistence in each of the last four financial years
		
			   £ 
		
		
			 1998–99 392,086 
			 1999–2000 394,997 
			 2000–01 369,316 
			 2001–02 (41)276,799 
		
	
	(40) Including its agencies, but excluding NDPBs as we do not have access to a breakdown of their expenditure.
	(41) To date. Estimate for full year is £301,962.

Special Advisers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many special advisers were employed by him (a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive; and what the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department was in each of those years.

Jane Kennedy: The number of special advisers employed between May 1997 and 2001 are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 May 1997 to September 1999 2 
			 October 1999 to October 2000 0 
			 November 2000 to January 2001 1 
			 February 2001 to September 2001 1 
			 October 2001 to December 2001 2 
		
	
	All special advisers have been paid a salary in accordance with the centrally agreed arrangements applying at the time. In addition the Department meets the travel and accommodation costs required on official business.

Television

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of subscriptions to (a) digital terrestrial, (b) digital satellite and (c) digital cable television held by his Department for services in any departmental building from which Ministers work, stating for each subscription its (i) cost and (ii) purpose.

Jane Kennedy: There is one subscription to digital satellite in a departmental building from which Ministers work. The cost of the subscription is £10.00 per month and it is used for operational purposes. There are no subscriptions to digital terrestrial or digital cable.

Project Sponsorship

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of his Department's projects have received sponsorship since 1997, including (a) details of the sponsor, (b) the nature of the project, (c) the date of the project, (d) the total cost of the project and (e) the amount of money involved in the sponsorship deal.

Jane Kennedy: Details of the Northern Ireland Office projects which have received sponsorship since 1997 are as follows:
	1997–98
	(a) Hughes and Co. Insurance Brokers
	(b) Public Awareness campaign (reprint and distribution of free crime prevention booklet)
	(c) In three phases throughout the year
	(d) £39,063.16
	(e) £8,000.
	1998–99
	None
	1999–2000
	None
	2000–01
	None
	2001–02
	None.

999 Calls

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 839W, on 999 calls, how many 999 calls for each emergency were received at Belfast regional control centre on each day of the Christmas week in 2001; what the standard target is for number of rings before a call is answered by each service; how many calls failed to reach this target on each day; and what targets are set by the PSNI in North Belfast to respond to emergency calls.

Jane Kennedy: The PSNI performance target in relation to 999 calls is to answer 98 per cent. of all 999 calls within 10 seconds.
	In North Belfast, as with all areas in Northern Ireland, the PSNI respond to 999 calls as quickly as possible given the resource availability at any given time.
	The following table shows the number of 999 calls received at Belfast Regional Control during the period 20–26 December 2001 and the answer rate.
	
		
			 Date Number of calls % answered in 10 seconds or less Average time to answer each call (seconds) 
		
		
			 20 December 2001 389 87.1 6 
			 21 December 2001 451 81.6 7 
			 22 December 2001 532 84.0 7 
			 23 December 2001 391 90.8 6 
			 24 December 2001 378 88.9 6 
			 25 December 2001 338 88.8 6 
			 26 December 2001 449 92.9 5

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary makes visits to Northern Ireland; how many visits inspectors have made in each of the past three years; what the terms of reference are for the visit of an inspector; on how many occasions in the past three years specific terms of reference have been drawn up for a visit; what the recommendations were of the inspector's report after each visit; how many of these recommendations were accepted by the RUC/PSNI; and what reasons were given for each rejected recommendation.

Jane Kennedy: Section 41(2) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 requires Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary to inspect and report on efficiency and effectiveness of the police in Northern Ireland at least once every year. To that end, HMIC has carried out an inspection in each of the past three years. Prior to each inspection, the Inspectorate have liaised with the police service, Police Authority and NIO to agree the terms of reference for the areas to be reviewed. The recommendations made after each inspection are contained in the published report, copies of which are laid in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. All of the recommendations made have been accepted by the RUC/PSNI.

Rosemary Nelson

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the duties are of Colin Port; how many officers and staff are assigned to assist him in each duty; how many arrests have been carried out by officers attached to the investigation of the murder of Rosemary Nelson; and how many charges have arisen.

Jane Kennedy: The Chief Constable has advised that, as the officer in command of the Rosemary Nelson murder inquiry, Colin Port, the Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary, determines the overall strategy for the investigation. The numbers of officers involved in the investigation has varied to accommodate the needs of particular lines of inquiry; staff work as a team and are not assigned to specific duties except where there are particularly sensitive lines of inquiry or specialist functions. As some persons have been arrested more than once it could be misleading to attempt to put an overall figure on arrests made by officers attached to the investigation of this murder. While there have been no charges in connection with Mrs. Nelson's murder, this investigation has led to charges against nine people.

Rosemary Nelson

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost is to date of the investigation of the murder of Rosemary Nelson; to whom the written report of the investigation will be sent; and what considerations he has given to publication of the report.

Jane Kennedy: The Chief Constable has advised that the cost to date of the investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson is £5,817,104. Colin Port is carrying out his investigation at the request of the Chief Constable of the PSNI and any report will be to the Chief Constable, with appropriate reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to pending prosecutions. I have no plans to publish any police reports in this investigation.

Disclosure of Interests

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rules apply to the disclosure of interests on the part of those serving on public bodies which are responsible to his Department.

Jane Kennedy: All advisory and executive non-departmental bodies are required to adopt a board members' code, based on guidance produced by the Cabinet Office, and they should have registers of interest. The definition of interests is ultimately for individual Departments since they are best placed to decide what might be thought to influence members of their NDPBs.
	The following table lists the NDPBs sponsored by this Department and in each case indicates what the relevant Code of Practice is and where it is available.
	
		
			 NDPB Code of Practice Availability 
		
		
			 Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland Under development(42) — 
			 Equality Commission for Northern Ireland Yes On request from Equality Commission for NI, Equality House, 7–9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DP 
			 Juvenile Justice Board No(43) — 
			 Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Yes On request from Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Temple Court, 39 North Street, Belfast BT1 1NA 
			 Northern Ireland Policing Board Yes On request from NI Policing Board, Waterside Tower, 31 Clarendon Road, Laganside, Belfast or on its website at www.nipolicingboard.org.uk 
			 Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Under development — 
			 Probation Board for Northern Ireland Yes On request from Probation Board for Northern Ireland, 80–99 North Street, Belfast BT1 1LD 
			 Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel for Northern Ireland Under development(44) — 
		
	
	(42) This body meets very infrequently, the last time was in 1994.
	(43) This is a temporary body which will become an executive agency later this year.
	(44) This is a new body whose members have yet to be appointed.

Departmental Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre- funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Jane Kennedy: The Cabinet Office has responsibility for the Principal Civil Service Pensions Scheme (PCSPS)—the occupational pension arrangement for Home civil servants, and have replied to this question.
	The Department of Finance and Personnel has responsibility for the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS)—the occupational pension arrangement for Northern Ireland civil servants. The total amount on paying pensions in 2001–02 in respect of Northern Ireland civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office was £4,246,235.19. Answers to the remaining questions could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	The PCSPS is an unfunded public service scheme made under the Superannuation Act 1972. All payments of pension and related benefits to former members of the PCSPS or their dependants are made from the Civil Superannuation Vote.

Forensic Science Agency

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the target staff complement is of the Forensic Science Agency; how many vacancies and at what levels are unfilled; and how many individuals have (a) left, (b) retired from and (c) joined the agency in each of the last three years.

Jane Kennedy: The Northern Ireland Office does not hold target staff complements. Staffing levels are dictated by administrative costs.
	
		Staff vacancies
		
			 Grade Number 
		
		
			 Higher scientific officers 9 
			 Scientific officers 4 
			 Assistant scientific officers 5 
			 Grade B1 accountant 1 
			 Support Grade Band 1 1 
			 Support Grade Band 2 2 
			 Temporary staff 2 
			  
			 Total 24 
		
	
	
		Staff movements
		
			  (a) Left (b) Retired (c) Joined 
		
		
			 1999 10 1 12 
			 2000 10 1 15 
			 2001 14 0 25 
			  
			 Total 34 2 52

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Research and Development

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the impact of the merger of MAFF and DOE on her spending plans for research and development, as set out in Forward Look 2001.

Elliot Morley: The merger has brought together research, monitoring, surveillance and advisory programmes totalling in excess of £250 million annually. We are currently reviewing our science programmes and strategy following the recent appointment of a new chief scientific adviser and in the light of the aims and objectives of the new Department.

Capita Group

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the contracts that have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Department.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA came into being on 8 June 2001. From information held centrally the Department has one contract for the provision of recruitment services with Capita Business Services Ltd.

Capita Group

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many contracts the Department has with Capita; and how much they are worth.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA came into being on 8 June 2001. From information held centrally the Department has one contract with Capita Business Services Ltd. with a value in the period 12 June 2001 to 26 March 2002 inclusive of £401,740.62.

Whales

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on Article VIII of the International Convention in the Regulation of Whaling.

Elliot Morley: The UK recognises that Article VIII of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling provides for any contracting Government to grant any of its nationals a special permit authorising that national to kill, take or treat whales for purposes of scientific research.
	We regret, however, Japan's continued use of this provision to carry out large scale, lethal "scientific" whaling. The UK believes that Japan's activities serve to undermine the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) moratorium and, at this year's IWC meeting which took place in Shimonoseki between 20–24 May, we called upon them to discontinue their lethal research programme.

Whales

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent activities have been undertaken by her Department to improve scientific knowledge about whale numbers.

Elliot Morley: The UK delegation participates fully in the IWC's Scientific Committee including work to provide in-depth assessments of whale stocks.

Whales

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what preparations her Department made for the International Whaling Commission annual meeting in Japan;
	(2)  what action her Department took before the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission to build support for the continuation of the ban on commercial whaling.

Elliot Morley: The UK Government is opposed to all whaling except by some subsistence whaling by indigenous people. We strongly support the current moratorium on commercial whaling.
	Before the start of the 54th annual IWC meeting we held a meeting of the Consultative Forum on Whaling with non-government organisations to discuss the UK line to take and strategy on key issues. In conjunction with the FCO we also undertook extensive lobbying of all IWC member states to build support for the continuation of the moratorium.

Future of Farming and Food

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Treasury about funding for the recommendations of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Government intends to produce a Strategy for Sustainable Food and Farming in England in the autumn. Funding for the strategy forms part of this year's Spending Review discussions. The strategy will incorporate a definitive response to the Policy Commission's recommendations, although not all of these fall to, or involve expenditure by Government.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many households had benefited from the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme by the end of 2001.

Michael Meacher: Since the launch of the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in June 2000 to 31 December 2001, over 305,000 households had work completed under the Scheme.

Press Office

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost of running the Department's press office was in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 10 April 2002
	Retrospective information for 1996–97 can not be supplied as DEFRA did not exist prior to June 2001.
	Our records show a total operational running cost for the DEFRA Press Office, for the financial year 2001–02 of £1.6 million.

Press Office

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many press releases were issued by her Department or its predecessor (a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA was created in June 2001. For the period ending the 31 Dec 2001 the Press Office issued 319 press releases.
	Retrospective identification and enumeration of the press releases issued prior to June 2001 by the Home Office and the former DETR and MAFF Press Offices on policy subjects now covered by DEFRA would be disproportionately costly to produce.

Press Office

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many press officers there were in her Department on (a) 1 May 1997 and (b) the latest available date.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 10 April 2002
	DEFRA, as a Department, did not exist prior to June 2001. The DEFRA Press Office is responsible for providing media support to the Environmental Protection Directorate and the Wildlife and Countryside Directorate of the former DETR, the hunting and animal welfare policy issues transferred from the Home Office and the full range of former MAFF activities. To provide media liaison support for these policy and operational directorates of DEFRA, the Press Office has currently a staff of 21 press officers.

Press Office

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people were employed in a press or public relations function in her Department and its predecessor on 1 January in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001 and (f) 2002.

Elliot Morley: When DEFRA was created on 8 June 2001 it brought together the Environmental Protection Directorate and the Wildlife and Countryside Directorate of the former DETR, together with the full range of former MAFF policies and operational activities and certain hunting and animal welfare interests of the Home Office.
	Of the retrospective statistics that have been requested, such of those as could be obtained would not provide a valid comparison of these staff resources. Moreover, such information could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
	In DEFRA at present the number of staff engaged in Press Office activities is 27. This comprises 21 press officers and six support staff.

LGC

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 11 February 2002, Official Report, column 584W, on LGC, if she will list (a) the dates of each contact and (b) the amount spent on each contract by her Department.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 25 April 2002
	Pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2002, Official Report, columns 88–89W, on LGC, the dates of each contract are as follows:
	
		
			   Contract  
			 Project title Start End 
		
		
			 Speciation, bioavailability, biopotency and functional markers for D vitamers 1 June 1998 31 March 1999 
			 Development of methods to detect protein standardisation of cows' drinking milk 1 September 1998 30 November 1999 
			 Methods for the detection of rectified grape and apple juice in fruit juices 1 April 1999 30 September 1999 
			 The immunological determination of meat content 1 May 1997 31 October 1998 
			 Evaluation of a DNA Method for Meat Species Identification 1 April 1997 31 March 1998 
			 A novel method for the detection of neuronal tissue from beef by the identification of tissue specific DNA modification 1 April 1997 30 September 1998 
			 Differentiation of species of meat in particular cooked products by DNA methods 1 April 1998 30 September 1999 
			 Evaluation of a suite of methods to distinguish cheese analogues from genuine cheese 1 April 1998 31 March 1999 
			 Optimisation and validation of DNA assay for detect of select non-muscle tissues in meat products using tissue specific DNA modification 1 November 1998 30 November 1999 
			 Vitamin B6 improvements in extraction and determination—Resolving inaccuracy and bias from its measurement 1 April 1997 31 March 1998 
			 Development and validation of two analytical procedures for the quantitative determination of fatty acids 1 April 1997 31 March 1998 
			 Further studies on the determination of heme and non-heme iron 1 April 1998 31 March 1999 
			 Develop and validate a routine HPLC method for the determination of folates and folic acid in foods 1 April 1999 30 June 2000 
			 Development and validation of rapid viable pathogen testing and enumeration by a simple and low cost new method 1 October 1997 23 August 1998 
			 An improved analytical method for gellan gum 1 June 1998 31 March 1999 
			 Development and validation of procedures to detect and quantify the use of dimethyl dicarbonate in non-alcoholic drinks 1 September 1998 31 August 1999 
			 Biomarker assessment of benzoate consumption 1 May 1999 31 March 2000 
			 A regiospecific immunoassay screening test for contaminants from food contact plastics 1 April 1997 31 March 1999 
			 Develop a novel molecular typing method for comparison of food borne pathogens using VTEC as a model organism 1 May 1999 30 April 2001 
			 Efficacy testing of disinfectants used in the food industry against a range of pathogens including E coli 0157 1 May 1998 31 October 1999 
			 Processing LINK Offers of Grant 1 August 1999 31 July 2002 
			 Organochlorine residues in poultry resulting from the use of hyperchlorinated water in poultry washes 28 October 1997 27 April 1998 
			 Chain of custody audit at Institute of Animal Health 1 October 2001 31 March 2002 
			 Development of a Sensitive and Specific Molecular Typing Method for the Epidemiological Study of Salmonella 1 January 2000 31 March 2002 
			 Investigation of glufosinate residue analysis in potatoes, soya products, legume and maize 1 November 2000 31 August 2001 
			 Development of methods for the determination of thyreostats in poultry and bovine livers 1 January 2001 31 March 2001 
			 BSE Testing in Cattle 1 November 2001 31 October 2002 
			 Analytical Work on Veterinary Residues in Foodstuffs of Animal Origin 1 January 1999 31 December 2003 
			 National Scrapie Plan 'Blood Sampling' 8 October 2001 7 October 2004 
			 Feasibility Study of the Determination of Oestrone, etc. in Drinking Waters 20 May 1998 20 June 1998 
			 Analysis of Oestrone, Oestradiol and Ethynyl Oestradiol—Supervision of Performance Tests 16 October 1998 31 October 1999 
			 Investigation of Solvent Contamination Incidents and Provision of Scientific Advice on Drinking Water. Quality and Health Issues 16 October 1998 31 August 2001 
			 Leaching of Lead from Approved u-PVC Water Supply Pipes 21 January 1999 5 July 1999 
			 Consolidate two GCMS methods for the determination of three oestrogen steroids in water and review of the potential for determining the same steroids using LCMSMS 6 March 2000 31 May 2000 
			 Exposure to chloropropanol isomers via polyamines 15 October 2001 31 March 2002 
		
	
	The amount spent on each contract cannot be disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality. From information held centrally the total value of the contracts is £15,750,792. Inquiries on the values of individual contracts should be directed to the Chief Executive of the Laboratory of Government Chemist.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) cost per point of priority score, (b) average agreement cost and (c) average area for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme was in the last year for which figures are available.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 May 2002
	The score given to applications as part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme assessment procedure ensures that agreements which are eventually funded achieve the maximum environmental value, based on their likely contribution to the scheme's objectives for wildlife, landscape, history and access. The application score is therefore related directly to the environmental benefits likely to be achieved and is not expressed in terms of cost of the eventual agreement.
	The average 10-year cost of an agreement starting in 2000 was £52,707 and the average area was 32.29 hectares.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of priority score data for approved countryside stewardship agreements was not logged on the Countryside Stewardship Scheme database in each year since the scheme's introduction.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 May 2002
	All data relevant to approved Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements are formally recorded, either on the Stewardship database or on file. These include a record of the score given to applications as part of the assessment procedure.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the administrative costs of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme as a proportion of its total expenditure have been in each year since its introduction.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 May 2002
	The proportion of the total Countryside Stewardship budget spent on administrative costs since its introduction is as follows:
	
		Percentage 
		
			 Year Proportion of budget 
		
		
			 1991–96 (45)— 
			 1997–98 31 
			 1998–99 28 
			 1999–2000 26 
			 2000–01 32 
			 2001–02 (46)15 
		
	
	(45) Figures for the period 1991–96, when the scheme was operated by the Countryside Commission are not available.
	(46) 2001–02 figures are provisional and not strictly comparable with previous years, due to the creation of the Rural Development Service on 1 April 2001 and the diversion of staff to foot and mouth disease duties.

Swietenia Macrophylla

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she has received a copy of the memorandum dated 26 March from the European Commission concerning imports of swietenia macrophylla from Brazil; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: We received a copy of the memorandum of 26 March from the European Commission. This advice will be fully taken into account should another cargo of Brazilian mahogany arrive for clearance into the Community via the UK. We have also asked the Timber Trade Federation to advise their members not to import Brazilian mahagony until the present situation is clarified.

Mahogany

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to publicise the opinion of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Secretariat contained in a memorandum dated 13 March, regarding the import of mahogany from Brazil; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 April 2002
	We are aware of advice sent by the CITES Secretariat to the German management Authority on 13 March. This formed the basis of a subsequent note from the European Commission to all member states on 26 March. We have passed this on to the Timber Trade Federation and to other Government Departments with an interest in this issue. I attach a copy.
	We are not aware of any shipments of mahogany from Brazil to the UK since the Commission's letter was issued. Consideration of any future shipment will take account of this or any subsequent view taken by the Commission and submitted to all Member States.

Mahogany

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she has received concerning action taken by Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands in relation to trade in Brazilian mahogany since 19 October 2001; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: We understand from the German CITES Management Authority that, since the moratorium, three cargoes of Brazilian mahogany have been cleared by German customs and one has been detained at Hamburg. We understand from the Dutch CITES Management Authority that one cargo has been detained at Vlissingen. To date we have received no relevant information from the Belgian authorities.

Mahogany

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if big leaf mahogany (swietenia macrophylla) is classified as an endangered species; and what measures she is taking to ensure that illegally logged mahogany is not used in the United Kingdom.

Margaret Beckett: Big leaf mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla) is listed on Appendix III by certain range states. This means that it is not classified by CITES as endangered but is subject to regulation.
	Our main line of defence against the use of illegally logged big leaf mahogany is the CITES and European Union controls on the import of such mahogany. All imports into the Community for the first time must be accompanied by appropriate CITES documentation. Mahogany requires a valid export permit or certificate of origin and a completed import notification. Failure to present such documentation could render any cargo liable to seizure, and illegal trading in CITES listed timber is subject to strict penalties. We are also exploring with our EU partners whether there are changes in EU regulations which would secure better regulation of this trade; and we have made clear to the Brazilians our concern to support their efforts to prevent illegal logging. The Government's Green Guide for Buyers, first issued in 1998 and updated last year, gives detailed guidance on implementing the Government's policy to purchase its timber and timber products from legal and sustainable sources.

Mahogany

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she was notified of the Brazilian Environment Agency's ban on trade in swietenia macrophylla.

Margaret Beckett: My Department was made aware of the moratorium on 29 October 2001.

Mahogany

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many reports of swietenia macrophylla there have been since 19 October 2001; and what the volume of imports was on each occasion since that date.

Margaret Beckett: We are aware of three cargoes of Brazilian mahogany which entered the European Community via the UK. These are as follows:
	
		
			 Date of import Metres(49) 
		
		
			 26 January 2002 11.328 
			 8 February 2002 874.7 
			 5 March 2002 198.18 
			  
			 Total 1,084,208 
		
	
	There may be other shipments of mahogany which have entered the UK having been previously cleared into the Community via another member state. Neither my Department nor HM Customs and Excise would be aware of these as no clearance documentation would be required for such intra-Community movement.

Veterinary Medicines

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there were for the illegal use of veterinary medicines by (i) type and (ii) purpose in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many cases of the illegal use of veterinary medicines have been identified by (a) type and (b) the purpose for which they were used, in each of the last five years.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The veterinary medicines directorate's unauthorised medicines section receives complaints about illegal use and improper advertising of veterinary medicinal products. Records are not kept in a format that would allow the specific numbers requested to be provided. However, on average 300 complaints were received in each of the last five years. Each of these is investigated and where there is sufficient evidence of a breach of legislation a prosecution is sought.
	In the last five years there have been three prosecutions relating to offences of illegal administration (use) of veterinary medicines. All three cases resulted in successful convictions. Two cases related to illegal importation and administration of vaccines by dog breeders. The third related to the illegal importation and administration by a farmer of an anti-bacterial product for sheep.
	There have also been a further 15 prosecutions resulting in 13 successful convictions for offences relating to the placing on the market of a veterinary medicinal product contrary to the Marketing Authorisation Regulations 1994.
	A further eight prosecutions have begun and are still with the courts.

Veterinary Service

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary surgeons have (a) entered and (b) left the Department and its predecessor in the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Details of numbers of permanent veterinary surgeons at Grade 6 level and below (a) entering and (b) leaving the state veterinary service and the reasons for their departure during the past 10 years, are set out in the table.
	
		
			  Number of veterinary staff joining SVS Number of veterinary staff leaving SVS  Reasons for departure 
		
		
			 1992 15 9 Retirement (5) 
			Resignation (3) 
			Death in service (1) 
			 
			 1993 8 12 Retirement (4) 
			Resignation (6) 
			Death in service (1) 
			Transfer to OGD (1) 
			 
			 1994 4 11 Retirement (4) 
			Resignation (4) 
			Death in service (2) 
			Transfer to OGD (1) 
			 
			 1995 6 16 Retirement (10) 
			Resignation (5) 
			Death in service (1) 
			 
			 1996 15 12 Retirement (8) 
			Resignation (4) 
			 
			 1997 24 8 Retirement (3) 
			Resignation (3) 
			Death in service (2) 
			 
			 1998 9 13 Retirement (8) 
			Resignation (3) 
			Death in service (1) 
			Transfer to OGD (1) 
			 
			 1999 14 6 Retirement (3) 
			Resignation (3) 
			 
			 2000 19 14 Retirement (4) 
			Resignation (9) 
			Transfer to OGD (1) 
			 
			 2001 10 11 Retirement (6) 
			Resignation (4) 
			Death in service (1) 
			 
			 2002 to date 21 6 Retirement (3) 
			Resignation (3)

Imports of Exotic Animals

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many import licences she has authorised for the import of consignments of exotic animals, broken down by month, in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, more commonly known as CITES, aims to protect certain plants and animals by regulating and monitoring their international trade to prevent it reaching unsustainable levels.
	We can confirm that import permits used for all CITES species in the following years were:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 4,612 
			 1998 4,958 
			 1999 4,235 
			 2000 5,743 
			 2001 5,237 
		
	
	It would involve a disproportionate cost to attempt to break these down into monthly totals for exotic animals imported. Recent statistical surveys indicate that about 16 per cent. of import applications concern non- indigenous animals, including birds, reptiles, fish, insects and mammals. However, that figure also includes privately owned pets.

Bali Pre-conference

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the criteria are for the (a) level and (b) cost of hotel accommodation for the Ministers and officials travelling to Bali.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The venue for the fourth preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development was chosen by the Indonesian Government. The hotels for delegations were recommended by the UN and the Indonesian Government. The hotel accommodation was chosen for its proximity to the conference centre, to provide easy access to the hotel after late night negotiating sessions, and for the business facilities to allow constant contact with the UK.

Bali Pre-conference

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many hotel rooms have been booked for the WSD Conference in Bali by (a) her Department and (b) the UK delegation; and at what cost to public funds.

Michael Meacher: Thirteen hotel rooms have been booked for members of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. There are 27 hotel rooms booked for the total delegation to the fourth preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This will include representatives from DEFRA, DFID, DTI, FCO and the Cabinet Office; the total cost for the hotel rooms will be approximately £48,000.

Flood Defences

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the annual investment plan for spending is (a) on maintenance of flood defences, (b) to meet the guideline defence standards and (c) to account for possible climate change following the 'National Appraisal of Assets at Risk from Flooding and Coastal Erosion, including the Potential Impact of Climate Change'; and what further allocations the Government plans to make in each of the next three years.

Elliot Morley: With the benefit of Central Government funding, total expenditure by the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards on flood and coastal defence is forecast as follows:
	
		£ million 
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Capital 219 232 
			 Maintenance 90 90 
			 Other 105 112 
			  
			 Total 414 434 
		
	
	DEFRA has asked operating authorities to take the indicative results of the National Assessment of Assets at Risk from Flooding and Coastal Erosion into account insofar as it is practicable to do so in this timescale. The level of Central Government funding for the next three years will depend on the outcome of the Spending Review.

Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 11 April 2002, Official Report, column 598W, what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of unpaid advisers who have assisted the work of her Department since June 1997 but are not included in the Cabinet Office's annual report 'Task Forces, Ad Hoc Advisory Groups and Reviews 2000–01'.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 May 2002
	As my answer to you of 11 April made clear, Ministers in this Department have not appointed any unpaid advisers other than those accounted for in the list of task forces, reviews and other ad hoc advisory groups.

Advisers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many special advisers were employed by her and her predecessor (a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive; and what the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department was for each of those years.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA was created on 8 June 2001, and has two special advisers. The number of special advisers employed by the former Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food was also two.
	For special adviser costs, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 11W.

Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of parliamentary advisers appointed to serve her Department.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Advisers

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the number and expected cost to her Department of special advisers in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03.

Elliot Morley: There are currently two special advisers.
	For special adviser costs, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 20 March 2002, Official Report, column 325W.

Advisers

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times special advisers have accompanied Ministers on overseas visits in each of the last five years; which countries were visited; and what the total cost of each individual visit was.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 10 April 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Mr. Collins) on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 270W.
	Details of special adviser travel for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 will be published shortly.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Standing Committee on zootechnics is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Standing Committee on Zootechnics is to carry out the duties delegated to it by provisions adopted by the Council in the zootechnical field. It may also consider any question arising in this field and referred to it by the Chairman either on his own initiative or at the request of a member state. It has met once over the last 12 months. The UK representation are the officials in DEFRA responsible for policy matters on Zootechnics. Annual cost to public funds in the last twelve months has been approximately £250.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final. As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Standing Committee on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, horticulture and forestry is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry is to carry out the duties devolved to it by the Council Directives on the marketing of seeds and propagating material. The Committee has met 11 times during the past 12 months. UK representation at the Committee has varied but averages two officials per meeting and the cost of representation has been around £22,300.
	The major item under discussion is the EU Commission's legislative proposals to introduce thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically modified seeds in non-genetically modified seeds. The Committee is also considering measures that would implement exemptions and derogations contained within the Council Directives on the marketing of seeds.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission.
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Standing Veterinary Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, formerly known as the Standing Veterinary Committee, is a regulatory committee established under Council Decision (1999/468/EC) of 28 June 1999.
	Between May 2001 and April 2002 the Committee met twenty-seven times. The United Kingdom is usually represented by two delegates (a veterinarian and an administrator both from DEFRA). Other officials from DEFRA, FSA or the devolved administrations may also attend when necessary. The Commission pays the travel costs of one delegate: remaining costs are met from Department funds. The approximate cost to DEFRA between May 2001 and April 2002 was £16,500.
	The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health deals with a wide range of animal health and public health issues and the agenda for a typical two day meeting may cover as many as 50 items. Some items will be for discussion alone, others will be for a vote leading to the introduction of new Community legislation in accordance with powers provided for in existing Directives. For example, recent agenda items have covered such diverse subjects as: monitoring and categorisation of the status of BSE; European identification marking on fishery products originating from third countries; import of products of animal origin from China; falsification of health certificates from certain third countries; veterinary checks at Border Inspection Posts; review of the list of third countries from which the import of fishery products is authorised for human consumption; establishing a list of third countries fulfilling equivalence conditions for the production and placing on the market of bivulve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission."
	In the light of this decision on the working of committees, the first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com 2001) 783 Final.
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for cereals is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for cereals is laid down in Article 23 of Council Regulation 1766–92. It normally meets on a weekly basis. Meetings are attended by officials from DEFRA and additionally as necessary by officials from the other UK Agriculture Departments or the Rural Payments Agency. The direct annual cost to UK public funds consists of the travel and subsistence allowances of the UK officials attending, which were approximately £45,000 over the last 12 month period. The items currently under consideration are the regular adjudications for the export of cereals to third countries and the implementing rules for the export of cereals to applicant countries with whom the EU has negotiated reciprocal trade arrangements.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for poultrymeat and eggs is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Management Committee for Poultrymeat and Eggs implements measures relating to the common organisation of the markets in eggs, poultry and albumins. The Committee also implements measures to improve the production and marketing of honey.
	The Committee has met on 11 occasions over the past 12 months. The UK representation usually consists of the Head of Eggs and Poultry Branch and, if required, a supporting officer. A representative from Horticulture and Potatoes Division may also attend when honey issues are on the agenda. The annual cost amounts to approximately £6,745 and attendance takes approximately 50 staff days per annum.
	In addition to routine market reports and trade mechanism items, the Committee is currently considering amendments to the Marketing Standards for Poultrymeat and a draft decision on measures to be funded under the national honey programmes for 2003.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for milk and milk products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products is to facilitate the implementation of measures relating to the common organisation of the market for these products.
	The Committee has met 22 times over the last 12 months. The UK representation usually consists of the Head of Milk Branch or his deputy, and, if required, a supporting officer. Others attend as necessary. The annual cost amounts to some £16,000 in travel and subsistence expenses, and the meetings, including preparation time and activities following the meetings, take approximately 100 staff days per annum.
	In addition to routine market reports and trade mechanism items, the Committee is currently considering the modification of the nomenclature for export refunds, amendments to the legislation on export licences and export refunds, and reports by member states on their methods for control of the composition of milk powders. Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for beef and veal is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Under Article 42 of Council Regulation 1254/1999 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal, the Commission is mandated to establish a Management Committee to deal with market management of the sector and any matters arising for which the Commission has competence.
	Within the previous 12 months the Management Committee has met on 24 occasions. The UK delegation for the Committee normally comprises two officials from DEFRA; on occasion officials from the Rural Payments Agency and the devolved administrations also attend.
	The normal work of the Beef Management Committee involves consideration of the market situation (including production, consumption, imports and exports) and adjudication of intervention tenders.
	Currently, the Beef Management Committee is also considering proposals for amendments to a number of Regulations relating to tariff quotas for imports of beef and live cattle from third countries.
	The travel and subsistence costs over the previous 12 months relating to meetings of the beef management committee totalled some £25,000. Until February 2002 the Commission reimbursed the travel costs of two delegates per meeting; since February travel costs for only one delegate have been reimbursed.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Commission Document 5685/02).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Community Committee on the farm accountancy data network is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Community Committee for the Farm Accountancy Data Network was set up to support the information needs of the Common Agricultural Policy, specifically for determining farm incomes, for analysing the state of farm businesses and to contribute to the annual report on the situation of agriculture in the Community.
	The United Kingdom is allowed up to five representatives on the Committee but in practice is represented by one or two officials from my Department and from the devolved administrations. The Committee has met four times during the last 12 months. The direct cost incurred by the Department in the last 12 months, including staff time, was £3,600.
	The following topics have been considered during the last twelve months:
	1. Legislation to relax the lower size threshold for the UK and three other member states
	2. Steps to be taken by candidate countries in setting up their own accountancy networks
	3. Analysis of alternative dairy support mechanisms to contribute to the 2003 mid-term review
	4. Study on phasing out milk quotas in Germany
	5. Use of farm accountancy data for policy evaluations
	6. New computer system for online transmission of farm accounts over the internet
	7. Review of reimbursements to member states
	8. Agreement to defer UK deadline for data delivery following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease
	9. Agreement to launch a public version of the database on the Commission's website
	10. Studies on milk and beef enterprise costs
	11. Need to revise definition of farm types in the light of the shift from first to second pillar support
	12. How to provide detailed low-level data to member states without disclosing details of individual farms
	13. Contribution of accountancy data to agri-environment indicators.
	The last three have not yet been concluded.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for sugar is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for sugar is laid down in Article 42 of Council Regulation 1260/2001. It normally meets on a weekly basis. Meetings are attended by officials from DEFRA and additionally as necessary by officials from the other UK Agriculture Departments or the Rural Payments Agency. The direct annual cost to UK public funds consists of the travel and subsistence allowances of the UK officials attending, which were approximately £23,000 over the last 12-month period. The items currently under consideration are the regular adjudications on sugar export refunds, sugar balance sheets for both current and future years, cane refining aid and imports from the western Balkans.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for sheep and goats is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Under Article 25 of Council Regulation 2529–2001 on the common organisation of the market in sheepmeat and goatmeat the Commission is mandated to establish a management committee to deal with market management of the sector and any matters arising for which the Commission has competence.
	Within the previous 12 months the management committee has met on seven occasions. The UK delegation for the committee normally comprises two officials from DEFRA; on occasion officials from the Rural Payments Agency and the devolved Administrations also attend.
	Since the significant reforms of the common organisation of markets for sheepmeat and goatmeat agreed in December 2001, the need for management committees has been much reduced. The sheepmeat management committee is due to meet in two months' time to review the market situation and the impact of the recent reforms.
	The travel and subsistence costs over the previous 12 months relating to meeting of the sheepmeat management committee totalled some £7,000. Until February 2002 the Commission reimbursed the travel cost of two delegates per meeting; since February travel costs for only one delegate have been reimbursed.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Commission Document 5685–02).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for pigmeat is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate for the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for pigmeat was given under Regulation (EEC) 2759–75 of the Council, of 29 October 1975, on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat.
	The committee has met on 11 occasions over the past 12 months. The UK representation usually consists of the Head of Pigs Branch and, if required, a supporting officer. The annual cost amounts to approximately £308 and attendance and preparation time takes approximately 30 staff days per annum.
	In addition to routine market reports and trade mechanism items, the committee is currently considering outbreaks of classical swine fever (CSF) in Western Europe and carcass grading for the European Community.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final. As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Joint Meetings of Management and/or Regulatory Committees in the promotion of agricultural products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of this joint management committee is to run generic promotional schemes for European agricultural products to third countries and on the internal market, as an instrument to help member states face the challenges presented by the new world trading environment created by the WTO/GATT agreements.
	It has met 10 times over the past 12 months and is represented by two departmental officials. The annual cost of this committee's work to public funds is £10,000.
	Items currently under consideration by this committee are applications received under the current round from member states trade organisations for funds to promote specified products to third countries and on the internal market.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for wines is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Wine Management Committee is mandated by Council Regulation 1493–1999 to maintain and improve the balance between the supply and demand for wine on the Community market and to enable the sector to become more competitive in the longer term. It considers draft Commission legislation and gives its formal opinion on Commission proposals.
	For the period 1 May 2001 to 30 April 2002, it met thirty times, a reflection of the workload flowing from the introduction of the revised wine regime from 1 August 2000. For all but two of these meetings the UK was represented by two officials from the department (from 1 April this year only one person has been representing the UK at this Committee unless the agenda warrants additional attendance).
	The estimated cost to public funds for this period is £29,000.
	Besides its on-going management of the wine sector, the Committee is currently looking at amendments to regulations on market mechanisms and production potential, in light of market experience.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Implementation Committee on aromatised wine-based drinks is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Aromatised Wine Implementation Committee is mandated by Council Regulation 1601–91 which lays down general rules for the definition, description and presentation of aromatised (flavoured) wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails.
	The Committee meets very infrequently, with one person attending from the Department, and has not met at all in the last four years. Costs for any future meetings are unlikely to exceed £500 per annum.
	There are currently no items under the Committee's consideration.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final)).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Implementation Committee for spirit drinks is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Spirit Drinks Implementation Committee (SDIC) is mandated by Council Regulation 1576–89 and is responsible for the implementation of the general rules on the definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks as laid down in that Regulation. It considers draft Commission legislation and gives its formal opinion on Commission proposals.
	The SDIC met twice during the last 12 months. UK representation consisted of two officials. The estimated annual costs to UK public funds for this period is £2,000.
	Current issues being addressed by the SDIC concern EU enlargement, bilateral spirits agreements between the EU and third countries and consideration of the need for amendments to Regulation 1576–89.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001)) 783 Final.
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress and implementation of the Directive on waste is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Committee's mandate is determined by Articles 17 and 18 of the Waste Framework Directive, Article 9 of the Hazardous Waste Directive and Article 11 of the End-Of-Life Vehicles Directive. In summary, its mandate is to assist the European Commission to adapt aspects of those directives in the light of scientific and technical progress.
	The Committee met on 6 July 2001, 30 January 2002 and 22 May 2002. The UK's representation is determined by the agenda for each meeting but the basic representation is usually two officials. The cost to public funds comprise travel and subsistence costs incurred in attending a one day meeting in Brussels (approximately £650 per meeting) and staff costs (around £700 per meeting). The Commission reimburses the travelling costs for one official's attendance at each meeting.
	The agenda for the meeting on 22 May included several matters relating to the End-Of-Life Vehicles Directive and presentations and reports on a range of other waste issues.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Committee for the adaptation of technical and scientific progress and implementation of the directive on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically-modified organisms; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The mandate of the Committee is to assist the Commission in functions to be undertaken in respect of Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to the environment. Specifically, these functions are: the establishment of the format of summaries of information to be exchanged under the directive; the establishment of a list of Community legislation covering products to which the directive does not apply; the taking of decisions in respect of the placing on the market of GMOs; the provisional restriction or prohibition on the use or sale of certain products; and the adaption to technical progress of information required under the directive. UK representation on the Committee is by an official from my Department.
	The Committee has not met over the last 12 months and has resulted in no costs to public funds during that period. The Committee has been superseded by a Committee constituted under Directive 2001/18/EC, which replaces Directive 90/220/EEC and will meet for the first time on 12 June 2002. The main item on the initial programme of work of the new Committee will be the agreement of guidance notes on risk assessment and monitoring under the directive.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the group of experts appointed by the Euratom Scientific and Technical Committee to address radioactive effluents (Article 37) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Group of Experts appointed under Article 31 of the Euratom treaty advises the European Commission, among other things, in preparing its opinion on each plan submitted by member states under Article 37 for the disposal of radioactive waste.
	The group have not met during the past 12 months. The majority of their work is carried out by correspondence. Members of the group are independent scientists and are not representatives of their respective Governments. Four of the 43 members of the group are from the UK. Their expenses are met by the European Commission and therefore the work of the group makes no demands on public funds in the UK.
	Within the past 12 months the Commission have received 14 submissions from EU member countries of general data under Article 37 on which it has requested the views of the group. Six of these submissions were from the UK. Copies of the Commission's opinions on UK Article 37 submissions are placed in the Library of the House. The Group of Experts' reports are attached as an annex to these opinions.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics was set up by a Council Decision (72/279/EEC) on 31 July 1972. It makes detailed decisions on implementing EU legislation as set out in each case using the delegated authority provided by the EU "Comitology" process.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001) 783 Final.
	The Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics includes representatives from all member states and is chaired by the Commission. Separate meetings are set up for each subject normally linked to the appropriate working group or meeting of officials. The appropriate statisticians from the UK Departments attend.
	There have been two Standing Committee meetings this year. The forthcoming items for decision will include the definition and deadlines for statistics in the forthcoming 2005 EU Structure Survey; the development initiatives on the "Improving Community Agricultural Statistics Programme"; the 2003 survey of ground points across the EU and the rules of procedure of the Standing Committee.
	The work on Agricultural Statistics is subject to the Direction of the European Parliament, Council, the Statistical Programme Committee meeting of heads of each National Statistical Services and the Agricultural Statistics Committee Meeting.
	It is not possible to separately identify the specific annual cost of the Committee's work to public funds without incurring disproportionate costs.
	New or significant changes to EU legislation are already subject to Parliamentary Scrutiny. We provide information on agricultural statistics work in National Statistics reports and plans, which are published on the internet.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for fresh fruit and vegetables is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for fresh fruit and vegetables is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market in fresh fruit and vegetables, as established by Article 46 of Council Regulation (EC) 2200/96. The Committee has met 15 times over the last 12 months, generally on the same day as the processed fruit and vegetables Management Committee. The meetings are normally attended by two officials at a total cost for the year of about £6,000 for each committee. A wide range of routine items are discussed, such as the setting of export refunds, as well as rules implementing the regulation, including arrangements for assisting producer organisations.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for products processed from fruit and vegetables is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for products processed from fruit and vegetables is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market in products processed from fruit and vegetables, as established by Article 29 of Council Regulation (EC) 2201/96. The Committee has met 13 times over the last 12 months, generally on the same day as the fresh fruit and vegetables Management Committee. The meetings are normally attended by two officials at a total cost for the year of about £6,000 for each Committee. Items discussed include reductions in aid for products grown for processing and rules implementing the regulation.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisations of agriculture markets for raw tobacco is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for raw tobacco is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market for raw tobacco as established by Article 22 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92. The Committee has met four times over the last 12 months and one official attends; the cost of this attendance to public funds over the last year was £2000. The Committee considers matters relating to the management of the market for raw tobacco.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for live plants and floriculture products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for live plants and floriculture products is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market in live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots and the like, cut flowers and ornamental foliage, as established by Article 1 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 234/68. The Committee has met once over the last 12 months, attended by two officials at a cost of about £1,000. Items discussed included market statistics and EU enlargement.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for bananas is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for bananas is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market for bananas, as established by Article 27 of Council Regulation 404/93 as amended.
	The Committee has met seven times over the last 12 months at a total cost of £4,200. Meetings are normally attended by one official. The items discussed include arrangements for licensing imports and other market management issues.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the mandate of the Management Committee for the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what the mandate of the Management Committee for Fisheries products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Management Committees for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Fisheries Products have been established under the Common Fisheries Policy for the management of fishing activity and the common organisation of the market for fish and fish products respectively. Both committees meet on average once a month. The UK is normally represented by officials from DEFRA and the Scottish Executive. In keeping with standard practice for this type of meeting, the travel costs of those attending are reimbursed by the EU.
	At the last meeting of the Management Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture, on 30 April, the two agenda items were the extension of the fourth Multi-Annual Guidance Programme (MAGP IV) and the provision of information to the Commission under its new data collection arrangements.
	At the last meeting of the Management Committee for Fisheries Products on 16 May, the three main agenda items were the provision of import price data by member states, the application of common market rules and the review of the operational programmes of producer organisations.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees like these into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of the committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Committee on evaluation and control of the risks of existing products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Committee of the regulation concerning the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances has met twice over the last 12 months. UK attendance is usually one representative from the Health and Safety Executive or my Department depending on the nature of the issue. The cost to public funds is approximately £1,000 per year for travel and subsistence, which is largely met by the European Commission. The Committee is not currently considering any issues.
	The work of the Committee has been to agree the publication in the Official Journal of the results of risk assessments and risk reduction strategies carried out under Council Regulation 793/93/EEC and to agree the scope of additional testing requirements. Any such recommendations are the subject of new proposals from the European Commission for European Parliament and Council Directives as appropriate.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the directive on water intended for human consumption is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Drinking Water Directive 1998, requires the Commission to review drinking water quality standards in Annex I to the directive "in the light of scientific and technical progress" and to make proposals for any necessary amendments. At least every five years, the Commission is to adapt Annexes II and III (monitoring and methods of analysis) to scientific and technical progress. A management committee was established under Article 12, to assist the Commission.
	The Article 12 Committee has met three times: in June 1999, when the Committee adopted its rules of procedure, in November 2001 and in April 2002. It is too soon to carry out full reviews of the Annexes. However, the directive also stipulated that certain provisions, particularly on sampling methods for the lead, nickel and copper parameters, and some radioactivity provisions, remained to be added.
	The additional work, carried out by the Committee, has included:
	producing a guidance document on standardised methods of sampling and analysis for lead
	advice on sampling for the copper and nickel parameters
	advice on monitoring for radioactivity
	advice on pesticides breakdown products [relevant metabolites].
	The Committee's Rules of Procedure permit a delegation of three officials from each member state. At the meetings in November 2001 and April 2002, the UK's membership comprised a technical assessor from the Drinking Water Inspectorate, a DEFRA policy administrator, and a representative of the Scottish Executive.
	The costs incurred by my Department in contributing to the Committee's work are largely travel and subsistence costs of approximately £1,000 per meeting. Officials consider a wide range of matters in connection with the directive. Therefore it is not possible, except at a disproportionate cost, to identify or apportion the costs arising out of the particular technical issues on which the Article 12 Committee assists and advises the Commission.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of the provisions on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of dangerous substances and preparations is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of Directive 76/769/EEC on the restrictions on the Marketing and Use of Dangerous Substances and Preparations has met twice in the last 12 months. UK attendance is usually one representative from either Health and Safety Executive, Department of Trade and Industry or my Department depending on the nature of the issue. The cost to public funds is approximately £1,000 per year for travel and subsistence, which is largely met by the European Commission.
	The Committee is currently considering proposals to adapt to technical progress Council Directive 89/677/EEC, which amended for the eighth time Directive 76/769/EEC placing restrictions on arsenic and Commission Directive 1999–51 adapting to technical progress Directive 76/769/EEC placing restrictions on cadmium.
	The work of the Committee is to bring forward amendments, in the light of the latest scientific information, to existing legislation where the main policy has already been agreed by Council and Parliament for protection of health and the environment.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisations of agriculture markets for hops is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for hops is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market in hops, as established by Article 1 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1696–71. It has met twice over the last 12 months in the margins of other Management Committees, incurring no additional costs to public funds. Items discussed included fixing aid for the supply of hops to the Azores and Madeira, French Overseas Departments and the Canary Islands.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for dehydrated fodder is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The mandate of the Management Committee for dehydrated fodder is to assist the Commission in the management of the common organisation of the market for dehydrated fodder as established by Article 17 of Council Regulation (EC) 603–95. The Committee has met once in the last 12 months and was attended by two officials at a cost of about £560. The meeting discussed the rate of aid for dehydrated fodder for 2000–01.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on the transportation of radioactive waste (surveillance and control) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	I have not been able to identify this committee from the information supplied in the hon. Member's question.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the mandate of the Standing Committee on feedingstuffs is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that as from 21 February 2002, in accordance with European Committee Regulation 178–2002, the EC Standing Committee for Feedingstuffs was replaced by the animal nutrition section of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. These Committees have met nine times in the year ending 30 April 2002.
	The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health is a regulatory committee composed of representatives of the member states and chaired by the Commission. The United Kingdom is normally represented at the animal feed meetings by officials of the Food Standards Agency and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, which is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The main annual cost of its work to UK public funds which can be quantified is made up of travel and subsistence costs totalling around £14,000, part of which was reimbursed by the Commission. The Committee is currently considering a number of legislative measures on animal feeds, including the authorisation of a number of feed additives.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

GM Crops

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of public attitudes towards the commercial growing of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 7 May 2002
	I asked the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) to advise on how best to take forward a public debate on GM issues including GM crops. They provided their advice on 26 April and we are now considering their proposals.

GM Crops

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many GM crop trials are being carried out in each nation and region of the UK;
	(2)  which GM crops are being field-tested in each nation and region of the UK.

Michael Meacher: The following tables set out the types of GM crops, and number of field trials currently being carried out, by nation and county. The first table includes the 100 UK sites in the 2001–02 round of the Farm Scale Evaluations (33 maize, 16 beet, 26 spring sown oilseed rape, 25 winter sown oilseed rape). The sites for the final round of winter sown oilseed rape will be announced later this year. The second table shows the small scale field trials carried out by companies developing GM crops.
	
		Farm scale evaluation sites
		
			  Nation/county  Crop Number of sites 
		
		
			 England   
			 Cambridgeshire Beet 1 
			 Cheshire Maize 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 City of Sunderland Spring oilseed rape 1 
			 Cumbria Beet 1 
			 Dorset Maize 8 
			  Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 2 
			 Durham Maize 1 
			  Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 3 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire Maize 1 
			  Spring oilseed rape 4 
			  Winter oilseed rape 2 
			 Essex Maize 2 
			 Gloucestershire Beet 2 
			  Maize 1 
			  Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 2 
			 Herefordshire Maize 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Hertfordshire Spring oilseed rape 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Kent Maize 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Leeds Maize 1 
			 Leicestershire Spring oilseed rape 1 
			 Lincolnshire Beet 2 
			  Maize 4 
			  Spring oilseed rape 3 
			  Winter oilseed rape 5 
			 Norfolk Beet 6 
			  Maize 4 
			  Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 3 
			 North Yorkshire Beet 1 
			 Nottinghamshire Spring oilseed rape 1 
			 Oxfordshire Maize 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Telford and Wrekin Maize 1 
			  Spring oilseed rape 1 
			 Shropshire Maize 2 
			  Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 2 
			 South Gloucestershire Beet 1 
			 Suffolk Beet 1 
			 Warrington Maize 1 
			 Warwickshire Spring oilseed rape 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Wokingham Maize 1 
			 Worcestershire Beet 1 
			  Maize 1 
			 Scotland   
			 Aberdeenshire Spring oilseed rape 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 3 
			 Fife Spring oilseed rape 1 
			 Ross-shire Winter oilseed rape 1 
		
	
	
		Small-scale research field trials
		
			  Nation/county  Crop Number of sites 
		
		
			 England   
			 Berkshire Wheat 1 
			 Cambridgeshire Beet 1 
			  Potato 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 4 
			 Essex Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Gloucestershire Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Hertfordshire Wheat 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 2 
			 Lincolnshire Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Norfolk Barley 1 
			  Beet 1 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Nottinghamshire Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Suffolk Beet 2 
			  Winter oilseed rape 1 
			 Scotland   
			 Aberdeenshire Winter oilseed rape 3 
			 Dundee Potato 1

GM Crops

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent meetings she has had with the Scottish Executive Department of Rural Affairs on the subject of GM crops; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: Neither the Secretary of State nor I have had any recent meetings with the Scottish Executive on this subject. However, our officials meet frequently to discuss these issues.

GM Crops

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive regarding plans to change the procedure for approval of GM foods and seeds.

Michael Meacher: Neither my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, nor I have had any recent meetings with the Scottish Executive on this subject. However, our officials meet periodically to discuss changes proposed by the European Commission to the legislation governing the approval of GM food and seeds.

Foot and Mouth

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if live samples of the foot and mouth virus have been legally imported into the United Kingdom in the last four years.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 25 June 2001
	As the OIE/FAO World Reference Laboratory for foot and mouth disease the Institute for Animal Health at Pirbright receives many imported samples for testing for foot and mouth disease each year, some of which will contain live foot and mouth disease virus. Testing is carried out only under licence in strictly controlled conditions in high containment facilities. Pirbright Laboratory is the only laboratory to have imported material containing foot and mouth disease virus in the last four years.

Foot and Mouth

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letters sent to her on 12 and 21 March written on behalf of Devon County Council regarding the reinstatement of the Ash Moor mass burial site, the Ascott Farm pyre and holding site and the intended holding site at Westlake Farm.

Elliot Morley: We have no record of receipt of these letters and have therefore been unable to trace them. If copies of the letters could be sent to the Department, we will of course respond to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Foot and Mouth

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 727W, with reference to the note to table iv, from which counties (a) the 100 dangerous contact cases, (b) the 120 contiguous premises cases and (c) the 54 slaughter on suspicion cases originated.

Margaret Beckett: DEFRA's exercise to cleanse and fully complete the data on the Disease Control System (DCS) database means that the original figures of 100 dangerous contact cases and 120 contiguous premises cases now stand at 158 dangerous contact cases and 115 contiguous premises. The figure of 54 slaughter on suspicion cases returning positive laboratory results and converting to infected premises remains the same. I will place a breakdown, by county, of the figures in the Library of the House.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of ash resulting from foot and mouth pyres was buried on farms in (a) England, (b) Devon and (c) Cornwall; what quantity has since been dug up; on which farms; and what has happened to this ash.

Elliot Morley: Figures for the tonnage of ash buried on-farm are not available since in most cases the pyre ash was buried on-site by further excavating the pyre trench and scraping the ash into the hole and no assessment of the tonnage was made. The Environment Agency risk assessments and Groundwater Authorisations issued to DEFRA are based on the number of animals burnt and not the tonnage of ash buried.
	The following is a listing by county of the number of sites from which ash has been removed. The list is by county, since the Department is constrained by the provisions of the Data Protection Act from providing full addresses of all the sites.
	Devon—16
	Cornwall—3.
	To date, approximately 150,000 tonnes of pyre ash and soil have been removed and disposed of in licensed landfill sites in the UK. A further 1,205 tonnes has been removed and re-incinerated.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department has received on the desirability of re-incinerating ash from foot and mouth pyres before disposal.

Elliot Morley: Advice was obtained from the Environment Agency (EA), other Government Departments and a risk assessment was commissioned from DNV Consulting Ltd. Advice was also sought from a specially convened Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) Working Group on 24 May 2001, attended by experts from the Department of Health, Food Standards Agency, Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive and MAFF.
	The working group recommended that the choice of disposal option should be made on a site-by-site basis. Leaving the ash unburied in-situ was likely to be associated with a higher risk than alternative routes such as incineration, on-site burial or burial in landfill. Disposing of ash from pyres by on-farm burial was regarded as a preferred low risk option. Where on-site burial was not possible, SEAC's preferred disposal option was re-incineration. The working group noted however that landfilling also represented a low-risk option and that the limited availability of high temperature incineration capacity in the UK meant that incineration of pyre ash might not be practical. Given that leaving the material unburied in-situ or in storage prior to incineration was not a risk-free option, the working group's advice indicated that landfill also represented an appropriate risk minimisation option.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much meat and bonemeal was generated as a result of the foot and mouth disposal process; how much of this is stored; and at what (a) locations and (b) cost.

Elliot Morley: 42,289 tonnes of meat and bonemeal was produced from animals killed and rendered under the FMD and associated Welfare Disposal Scheme culls. This material is currently stored at two sites (one in Lincolnshire the other in Devon) pending incineration capacity becoming available later this year. Storage costs are approximately £17,500 per week (excluding VAT).

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of animal hides was disposed of as a result of foot and mouth; by what means; and at what cost.

Elliot Morley: Records indicate that during the recent foot and mouth disease outbreak approximately 430 tonnes of sheepskins and hides were disposed of for disease control purposes. A range of disposal routes were utilised including burning at a mass burn site, rendering, incineration and burial at licensed landfill sites. The total cost of disposal (including VAT and landfill tax where appropriate) is estimated to be £90,000. A number of other hides from animals entering the livestock welfare disposal scheme were recovered for leather production.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total value is of goods and materials recovered by her Department's value recovery team in the wake of foot and mouth; what has happened to these goods and materials; and what the total cost of this operation was.

Elliot Morley: Approximately £3,400,000 has been recovered to date by the value recovery team. Contracts have been terminated in the case of hirings and the goods returned to the suppliers. Items have been sold through the Government's Disposal Services Agency, by auction or by locally arranged sale according to Government guidelines. Other goods have been redeployed for official use within the Department.
	The total cost of the operation is currently being calculated.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much coal and timber was recovered unused from foot and mouth operations and how much (a) was resold, (b) was landfilled and (c) is still stored.

Elliot Morley: 11,500 tonnes of coal have been recovered unused from foot and mouth operations by the Government's Disposal Services Agency. This has been resold. Approximately 51,500 railway sleepers and 2,650 tonnes of wood have been resold. 616 tonnes of sleepers and wood have been sent to landfill.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on her Department's interim contingency plan for foot and mouth; and if she will place them in the Library.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The Interim Contingency Plan has been circulated to other Government Departments and key stakeholders for their comments. Two meetings have been held to provide them stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss their views. The plan has also been publicised by a news release and has been placed on the DEFRA website with a mailbox.
	Comments received have centred on issues of communication, allocation of personnel and resources, involvement of local authorities, enforcement, disposal capacity, and accountability and audit trails.
	I will place a list of the comments, without attribution, that we have received in the Library of the House.

Foot and Mouth

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) number and (b) value of claims for foot and mouth disease compensation are outstanding in respect of animals subject to (i) confirmed infection and (ii) 3 km cull.

Elliot Morley: As at 21 May there were five claims outstanding in respect of animals subject to confirmed infection. These claims amount to £2,826,177. All claims relating to the 3 km cull have been paid.

Foot and Mouth

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 2 May 2002, Official Report, column 938W, on foot and mouth, if she will list the road haulage contractors, apart from Snowie, involved in the foot and mouth contract; by what tendering and procurement means the Snowie contract was awarded; whether she considered (a) the corporate structure, (b) the directors and (c) the shareholding pattern of Snowie before awarding the contract; if her Department is satisfied with Snowie's performance under its contract; how many other contractors bid for the £38 million contracts available to Snowie; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 13 May 2002
	[pursuant to the answer, 2 May 2002, Official Report, c. 938] the road haulage contractors involved in the foot and mouth contract were Banks; Yuill and Dodds; NDMR; Whitkirks; Beverley Ridley; and Blakeys Haulage. The Snowie contract was awarded through the use of the negotiated procurement procedure without the prior publication of an Official Journal (OJEU) notice and by competitive tendering. The eligibility, economic and financial standing of Snowie were considered before awarding the contract. The Department is satisfied with Snowie's performance under its contract. From information held centrally, over 35 contractors bid for the £38 million of contracts available to Snowie.
	Snowie were one of the main contractors used by DEFRA during the FMD outbreak. Their contractual performance was subject to ongoing review and management by quantity surveyors, forensic accountants and other technical specialists retained by DEFRA.

Foot and Mouth

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her Department will make a decision regarding the future use and full restoration of (a) the Ash Moor site, (b) the Arscott Farm pyre and holding site and (c) the intended holding site at Westlake Farm.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 May 2002
	My officials have had a series of meetings with officers of Devon county council to discuss the restoration and future use of the Ash Moor site. A Notice of Proposed Development seeking approval for its restoration will be submitted to the council shortly. The restoration of both South Arscott Farm and Westlake Farm cannot proceed until agreement has been reached with the respective land owners. Proposals have been submitted to them and we await their responses.

Foot and Mouth

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if a Minister from her Department will meet Devon county council to discuss the future use and full restoration of (a) the Ash Moor site, (b) the Arscott Farm pyre and holding site and (c) the intended holding site at Westlake farm.

Elliot Morley: I wrote to Mr. Jackson of Devon county council on 4 April 2002 offering to meet representatives from the council to discuss issues relating to the Ash Moor site and am awaiting his reply.
	My officials have had a series of meetings with officers of Devon county council to discuss the restoration and future use of the Ash Moor site. A Notice of Proposed Development seeking approval for its restoration will be submitted to the council shortly. The restoration of both South Arscott Farm and Westlake Farm cannot proceed until agreement has been reached with the respective land owners. Proposals have been submitted to them and we await their responses.

Foot and Mouth

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Congleton dated 29 January on behalf of Anthea McIntyre of Shrewsbury, concerning foot and mouth disease.

Elliot Morley: I am sorry for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter. A reply was sent on 2 May.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what has been the cost of storing and disposing of meat and bonemeal since the over 30 months scheme began; and when the backlog will be disposed of.

Elliot Morley: By mid-May some 428,000 tonnes of MBM from the Over Thirty Month Slaughter Scheme (OTMS) had been incinerated at a cost of £41.2 million (£49 million including transport). MBM storage costs since the commencement of the scheme are estimated at £60 million.
	RPA achieved its target to have incinerated 60 per cent. of OTMS MBM produced by 31 March 2002. RPA continues to operate a disposal programme which should ensure that stocks are reduced to low levels by 31 March 2004.

Foot and Mouth

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to (a) amend and (b) lift the 20 day standstill requirement that was introduced following the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Elliot Morley: The 20 day standstill is at the centre of the interim livestock movement restrictions currently in force to guard against a future outbreak. Scientific and veterinary advice is that it aids detection of disease and slows disease spread. A number of exemptions from the standstill have been introduced, on veterinary advice, in order to help livestock farmers without causing an unacceptable increase in disease risk. These interim arrangements are currently under review, but whatever changes may be made to the interim rules this summer the Government intend to take full account of any relevant findings from the FMD inquiries before it reaches a final view on the role that a 20 day standstill might play in the long-term controls over livestock movements.

Foot and Mouth

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her most recent estimate is of the total cost of establishing, operating, managing and monitoring the foot and mouth disease burial site at Throckmorton; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Latest cost estimates for the period ending 31 March 2002 indicate that the site has cost £15.3 million to acquire and establish the mass burial facility. Budgeted future costs for leachate removal, site remediation, landscaping and other essential works such as capping and re-profiling are £3.3 million. On-going management and monitoring of the site for a further 10 to 15 years are estimated to be a further £4 million.
	Total estimated costs for the site are therefore approximately £22.6 million.

Foot and Mouth

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will respond to the letters from the hon. Member for Croydon, South of 16 August 2001, November 2001 and January 2002 concerning points raised by Mr. G. W. Thynne, a constituent, about inquiries into foot and mouth.

Elliot Morley: I am sorry for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letters. A reply was sent on 29 May.

Meat Imports

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers enforcement officers have been given to stop suspected illegal meat importers.

Elliot Morley: We amended legislation on May 2001 to make it easier for local authorities to take action where meat, which could have been imported illegally, is found. With effect from 22 May 2002, enforcement officers' search powers have been extended to include all commercial consignments and personal baggage.
	This is one of many measures set out in the action plan published on the 28 March to tackle the problem of illegal imports. The action plan is available in the House Libraries.

Beef Ban

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the French ban of British beef; and what action her Department is taking to encourage the French Government to lift the ban.

Elliot Morley: The Secretary of State has made it clear that we expect France to lift its ban as soon as possible. It is for the Commission to take action to enforce EU law and it has asked France for an explanation of its failure to comply with the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This is the first stage in a process which may lead to a further ECJ case against France and the imposition of penalties for failure to comply with the court's judgment in December 2001 that the French ban on imports of UK beef exported under the data based export scheme is illegal.

Press Subscriptions

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the newspapers subscribed to (a) Monday to Saturday and (b) on Sunday by her Department, stating for each subscription (i) the number of copies taken, and (ii) the annual cost.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 26 April 2002
	Centrally managed newspaper subscriptions for the HQ divisions of DEFRA cost £25,212.94 for the financial year 2001–02. The newspaper titles are shown in the table.
	DEFRA regional service centres and agencies undertake local purchasing of newspapers. The information relating to this expenditure is not held centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 Newspaper title Daily(47) Sunday 
		
		
			 The Business 2 — 
			 Derby Evening Telegraph 5 — 
			 The Express (Monday-Friday) 30 — 
			 The Express (Saturday) 3 — 
			 Daily Mail (Monday-Friday) 50 — 
			 Daily Mail (Saturday) 4 — 
			 Daily Mirror (Monday-Friday) 40 — 
			 Daily Mirror (Saturday) 3 — 
			 Daily Star (Monday-Friday) 15 — 
			 Daily Star (Saturday) 2 — 
			 Daily Telegraph (Monday-Friday) 80 — 
			 Daily Telegraph (Saturday) 3 — 
			 Evening Standard(48) 45 — 
			 Financial Times (Monday-Friday) 240 — 
			 Financial Times (Saturday) 10 — 
			 Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 5 — 
			 Glasgow Herald 5 — 
			 Guardian (Monday-Friday) 110 — 
			 Guardian (Saturday) 5 — 
			 Independent (Monday-Friday) 90 — 
			 Independent (Saturday) 4 — 
			 Independent (Sunday) — 3 
			 International Herald Tribune 5 — 
			 Jewish Chronicle (Friday) 1 — 
			 Farmers Weekly 7 — 
			 Le Figaro (Monday-Friday) 5 — 
			 Le Figaro (Saturday) 1 — 
			 Le Monde (Monday-Friday) 10 — 
			 Mail on Sunday — 2 
			 Morning Star (Monday-Saturday) 8 — 
			 News of the World — 2 
			 Observer — 3 
			 Police Review (Friday) 4 — 
			 Sun (Monday-Friday) 30 — 
			 Sun (Saturday) 3 — 
			 Sunday Express — 2 
			 Sunday Mirror — 2 
			 Sunday People — 2 
			 Sunday Telegraph — 2 
			 Sunday Times — 3 
			 Times (Monday-Friday) 173 — 
			 Times (Saturday) 6 — 
			 Wall Street Journal 5 — 
			 Western Mail (Monday-Friday) 10 — 
			 Western Morning News 10 — 
		
	
	(47) Monday-Saturday
	(48) Three editions per day News Extra, Late Prices, Final

Sellafield

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidelines have been provided to the Chief Nuclear Inspector in respect of the information the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is permitted to give MEPs in respect of safety at Sellafield.

Brian Wilson: I have been asked to reply.
	No specific guidelines have been provided to the Chief Nuclear Inspector in respect of the information the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is permitted to give MEP's in respect of safety at Sellafield.
	All Health and Safety Executive (HSE) staff, including the Chief Inspector, follow the HSE's own published Policy on Openness and the Government's Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Internal guidance to staff on how to comply with these commitments and with any legal restrictions on disclosure is provided in HSE's General Administrative Procedures 1—Disclosure of Information to the Public (GAP 1). This guidance is publicly available.

Agriculture Policy (Scotland)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what formal procedures are in place for consulting the Scottish Executive's Environment and Rural Affairs Department on matters of agricultural policy.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA and SEERAD are mutually committed to work together on the application of agricultural policy within their respective responsibilities. This commitment is given expression in a significant two-way flow of information and related discussions between the Departments, which take place within the framework of the "Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales" (Cm 4444) and a bilateral concordat. In order to ensure effective co-ordination and help resolution of differences, Agriculture Ministers of the devolved Administrations meet regularly, normally in advance of EU Agriculture Councils, under the chairmanship of the DEFRA Secretary of State. In addition, there are regular (monthly or more frequent) meetings at senior official level on matters relating to agricultural policy.

Forest Enterprise

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the depreciation policies used in respect of Forest Enterprise capital equipment and vehicles.

Elliot Morley: The depreciation policy for Forest Enterprise's fixed assets is published each year in the Notes to the Forest Enterprise Accounts within the Forestry Commission's annual reports for Great Britain and England, Scotland, and Wales. Copies of the reports are held in the Library of the House.

Forest Enterprise

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether vehicles owned by Forest Enterprise, exempt from vehicle excise duty under section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, are used to service or deliver capital equipment sold to third parties.

Elliot Morley: Forest Enterprise does not use vehicles which are exempt from vehicle excise duty to deliver capital equipment after it has been sold. These vehicles may, however, be used on service jobs, including instances where Forest Enterprise has agreed to service capital equipment it has sold.

Forest Enterprise

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total value of capital equipment owned by Forest Enterprise disposed of by (a) public auction, (b) open tender and (c) other means was in each of the last five years.

Elliot Morley: The table shows the value of capital equipment disposed of by Forest Enterprise in Great Britain in the last five years, all of which was sold following public auction or open tender. (In a very few instances the expected price was not reached at the auction or tender. In these cases, Forest Enterprise negotiated with bidders to obtain an increased offer.)
	
		£ 
		
			 Financial year Capital equipment sold 
		
		
			 1997–98 1,027,000 
			 1998–99 1,296,000 
			 1999–2000 1,447,000 
			 2000–01 1,155,000 
			 2001–02 1,003,000 
		
	
	In year 2001–02, the amount raised by open tender was £602,000 (60 per cent.) while the amount raised from public auction was £401,000 (40 per cent.). The amounts raised from each type of sale in the previous four years are not readily available but it is estimated that the percentage ratio would be similar to year 2001–02.

EU Enlargement

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance is available to farmers to facilitate development of potential new markets to be opened by EU enlargement.

Elliot Morley: The Department offers various forms of assistance to farmers wishing to develop export markets, both in the EU candidate countries and more widely. These include mounting a UK agriculture presence at overseas trade fairs, leading trade missions overseas and organising inward missions of foreign buyers and opinion formers. Events have been organised in two EU candidate countries over the last year, and future events are planned at world fairs to which buyers from the candidate countries are known to go. We are currently considering further options of promoting the UK agriculture industry in these markets.

Pollution (River Ribble)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on pollution in the River Ribble.

Michael Meacher: The most up-to-date water quality classification for the River Ribble is based on chemical monitoring of the river between 1998 and 2000. From this chemical monitoring, the upper reaches of the River Ribble from High Bridge to Settle Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW), a distance of 26.7 km, are classified as very good quality—General Quality Assessment (GQA) class A. Downstream of Settle WwTW to the freshwater limit at Samlesbury, a distance of 70.7 km, the River Ribble is classified as good quality—GQA class B.
	Biological monitoring in 2000 indicated that the quality of the upper and middle reaches of the River Ribble between High Bridge and Clitheroe WwTW, a distance of 66 km, is very good (class A). Between Clitheroe WwTW and the River Calder, a distance of 4.0 km, the biological quality is good (class B). Below the confluence with the River Calder to the freshwater limit, a distance of 27.4 km, the biological quality is fairly good (class C).

Farm Income

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what income was received by farms in each of the past three years (a) before deductions of wages paid to farmers and their families and (b) net of those deductions.

Elliot Morley: Most farmers are either self-employed or partners and therefore their income is the return from the farming business rather than wages. Total Income from Farming represents the income to farmers, partners, directors, their spouses and most other family workers. The distribution of that income between those parties is an individual matter for each farm business.
	Total Income from Farming in each of the last three years is given in the table.
	
		Total Income from Farming (TIFF)
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1999 2,252 
			 2000 1,513 
			 2001 1,710

Curry Report (Costs)

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average cost per annum per average family would be if the cost of the proposals in the Curry report were added to the average cost and subsidies and compensation paid to the farming industry in the past three years.

Elliot Morley: The Policy Commission estimated that implementing its recommendations would cost approximately £500 million over three years. However, the cost of many of the recommendations will depend upon the precise way in which they are implemented. The Government intend to produce a strategy for sustainable food and farming in England in the autumn, following a wide-ranging process of stakeholder engagement. This strategy will incorporate a definitive response to each of the Policy Commission's recommendations.

Sewage Plant (Foreness Point)

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times during the past 12 months for which details are available raw sewage has been released into the sea from the Foreness Point sewage plant; and what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the telemetry used to monitor overflows at the Foreness Point sewage plant.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 23 May 2002
	Discharge is recorded by use of a pump run meter. This meter has shown that the storm pumps have operated once in the past 12 months for approximately eight minutes.
	The discharge consent for the Foreness outfall, issued in February 1985, has no conditions requiring monitoring or telemetry to record storm overflow events. The water utility is therefore under no legal obligation to record these events. This situation will be reviewed in the proposed combined scheme for collection of waste water from Margate and Broadstairs.

Throckmorton Airfield

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on changes in land ownership since 1992 at and adjacent to Throckmorton airfield with reference to the Crichel Down rules.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence (Mr. Ingram), on 21 May 2002, Official Report, columns 172–173.

Land Sales

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the land that her Department is (a) offering for sale and (b) plans to offer in the next 12 months, giving its (i) location and (ii) size.

Elliot Morley: This Department is currently negotiating the sale of, or offering for sale, the following areas of land:
	95 acres of land at Barnhall near Wickford, Essex.
	10 acres of land (three plots) near the A259 Rustington By-Pass, Littlehampton, West Sussex.
	In the next 12 months, but subject to planning investigations still to be completed, the Department plans to offer for sale approximately 5 acres of land at Whitley Road, Long Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Disclosure of Interests

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what rules apply to the disclosure of interests on the part of those serving on public bodies which are responsible to her Department.

Elliot Morley: All advisory and executive non- departmental public bodies are required to adopt a board members' code, based on guidance produced by the Cabinet Office, and they should have registers of interests. The definition of interests is ultimately for individual Departments since they are best placed to decide what might be thought to influence members of their non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs).
	The following table lists the NDPBs sponsored by this Department and indicates whether or not a Code of Practice currently exists and where it may be obtained.
	
		
			 Public body Code of practice 
		
		
			 Executive bodies  
			 Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales Available from the board 
			 Agricultural Wages Committee Available from the committee 
			 Apple and Pear Research Council Available from the council 
			 British Potato Council Available from the council 
			 Countryside Agency Available from the agency 
			 English Nature Available from the body 
			 Environment Agency Available from the agency 
			 Food from Britain Council Available from the council 
			 Home Grown Cereals Authority Available from the authority 
			 Horticulture Development Council Available from the council 
			 Horticulture Research International Available from the body 
			 Joint Nature Conservation Committee Available from the committee 
			 Meat and Livestock Commission Available from the commission 
			 Milk Development Council Available from the council 
			 National Forest Company Available from the company 
			 Regional Flood Defence Committee Committees of the Environment Agency (EA) and adhere to the EA Code of Practice 
			 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Available from the body 
			 Sea Fish Industry Authority Available from the authority 
			 UK Register of Organic Food Standards Available from the body 
			 Wine Standards Board of the Vintners Company Available from the board 
			   
			 Advisory  
			 Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment Available from the committee 
			 Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment Available from the committee 
			 Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances Available from the committee 
			 Advisory Committee on Packaging Committee recently stood down. Code of practice will be drawn up when a new committee is convened 
			 Advisory Committee on Pesticides Available from the committee 
			 Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment Available from the committee 
			 Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committee Available from the committee 
			 Air Quality Expert Group Currently being set up—code of practice will be set up when the group is convened 
			 Committee of Investigation for Great Britain Committee is dormant 
			 Committee on Agricultural Valuation Available from the committee 
			 Committee on Products and Processes for use in Public Water Supply Available from the committee 
			 Consumers Committee for Great Britain Committee is dormant 
			 Darwin Advisory Committee (the Darwin Initiative) Available from the committee 
			 Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies Available from the group 
			 Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards Available from the panel 
			 Farm Animal Welfare Council Available from the council 
			 Government Industry Forum on non-food uses of crops Available from the forum 
			 Hill Farming Advisory Committee Committee under review at present—code of practice will be drawn up if and when they know what form the new committee will take 
			 Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB Available from the group 
			 Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council Available from the council 
			 National Expert Group on Transboundary Air Pollution Available from the group 
			 Pesticides Residues Committee Available from the committee 
			 Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee Available from the committee 
			 Royal Commission on Environment Pollution Use the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) code of practice as their guide and declare their interests accordingly 
			 Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee Available from the committee 
			 Sustainable Development Commission Use the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) code of practice as their guide and declare their interests accordingly 
			 Sustainable Development Education Panel Available from the panel 
			 Veterinary Products Committee Available from the committee 
			 Veterinary Residues Committee Available from the committee 
			 Water Regulation Advisory Committee Available from the committee 
			 Zoos Forum Available from the forum

Ancient Forests

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action the Government are taking to protect ancient forests.

Elliot Morley: A number of measures are in place to protect all forests in the UK, including ancient semi- natural woodlands, where the biodiversity and cultural heritage values are the highest. In particular, the felling of any type of woodland is controlled through felling regulations. Additionally, many woodlands are subject to further controls because they are within designated areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Special Areas of Conservation.

Animal Welfare

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what priority she accords to high standards of animal welfare in her Department's strategy for the future of farming.

Elliot Morley: Encouraging high animal welfare standards on farm is already at the heart of Government policy and will certainly play a role in the Department's new strategy for sustainable food and farming.

Beef (Argentina)

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis she proposes increasing the importation of beef from Argentina under the European Community's import tariff quota; and what checks are carried out to ensure that the beef is (a) high quality and (b) disease-free.

Elliot Morley: Argentina may send beef to the Community under a number of concessionary import schemes. A recent Commission proposal will, if agreed, provide Argentina with a further 10,000 tonne quota through the High Quality (commonly known as the 'Hilton') Beef import scheme under which they are currently allocated 28,000 tonnes. This additional 10,000 tonne quota will be for one year only.
	The detailed rules for the Hilton import scheme are set out in Commission Regulation 936–97. This regulation sets out the definition of High Quality beef and ensures the arrangements under which conditions are met.

Agrimonetary Compensation

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the next deadline is for applications for agrimonetary compensation; how much she plans to claim; how that will be distributed; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 23 May 2002
	No further agrimonetary compensation will be available.

Sustainable Development

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Commission Communication, "A European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development", with particular reference to (a) social dialogue, (b) priority to market-based approaches to provide price incentives and (c) support for coal-fired power stations.

Michael Meacher: The European Commission adopted its Communication, "A Sustainable Europe for a Better World: A European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development", on 15 May 2001. My Department submitted an explanatory memorandum on this document to Parliament on 20 June 2001. The European Council agreed a Strategy for Sustainable Development in Goteborg on 16 June, drawing to a large extent on the material in the Commission's proposal and highlighting the importance both of stakeholder consultation and of getting prices right so that they reflect external costs.
	The Commission's Communication included a proposal to phase out subsidies to fossil fuel production and consumption by 2010, but this does not feature in the Goteborg Conclusions. The Government do not give any direct support to coal-fired power stations. However the DTI-supported Cleaner Coal Technology Programme encourages collaboration between UK industry and universities in the development of technology and expertise which delivers environmental benefits, in a manner entirely consistent with the spirit of the Commission's Communication.

Biological Diversity

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the Government have responded to the recommendation of the Conference of Parties (5) to the convention on biological diversity to investigate the potential risks and impacts of genetic restriction use technologies.

Michael Meacher: The Department for International Development has also commissioned a study for the benefit of developing countries on "the costs and benefits to the livelihoods of the rural and urban poor arising from the application of so-called 'terminator genes' and similar technologies in developing countries." The results of this study have been published in two books: Swanson, T(ed), 2002, "Biotechnology, Agriculture and the Developing World: The Distributional Implications of Technological Change", Edward Elgar, Cheltenham and Swanson, T(ed), 2002, "The Economics of Managing Biotechnologies", Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht.

Enriched Laying Cages

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she proposes to allow the use of enriched laying cages beyond 2012.

Elliot Morley: Draft Regulations to implement Council Directive 99/74/EC were laid before the House on 1 May 2002 and the use of "enriched" cages is permitted by these Regulations. If any changes to the Regulations are proposed, there will be full public consultation.

Farming Advisory Service

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to deliver a national, integrated advisory service to provide support and training for farmers.

Elliot Morley: Advice services are an important element of support to farmers and other land managers. As part of the development of the Government's strategy for sustainable food and farming, we are considering the relevant recommendations of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food. We published our document "Sustainable Food and Farming: Working Together" on 26 March which invites views on the content of the strategy.
	We announced two measures, also on 26 March, that are directly relevant. First, a review of the effectiveness of education and training provision for land managers, about which we will make a detailed announcement as soon as possible. Second, as an important contribution to effective knowledge transfer and dissemination, a pilot demonstration farm scheme to be operational by the end of 2002.

European Union Directives

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the European Union directives and regulations relating to her Department that have been implemented in each of the last four years, specifying (a) the title and purpose of each, (b) the cost to public funds of each and (c) the cost to businesses of each.

Elliot Morley: In answer to part (a) two tables are available in the Library of the House. The first table shows all directives agreed in the UK in the years 1998–2001, for which DEFRA and its predecessors took the lead, and which have since been implemented. The second table shows council regulations agreed in the years 1998–2001 for which DEFRA and its predecessors took the lead. A number of regulations agreed during this time have since expired—these are not included. The list has been trawled from a variety of sources and it is possible that a small number of regulations may have fallen through the net. Regulations have a direct effect in the laws of member states and do not usually require Governments to take action to implement them. The table does not show commission regulations. Details of all regulations and directives agreed can be found on the Eur-Lex database available on the European Union's website.
	The Department does not hold information in the form requested in part (b). This information could be assembled only at disproportionate cost.
	For part (c), Departments are required to produce regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) for proposals, including those originating in European legislation, likely to impose significant costs on business, charities or voluntary organisations. Copies of these are placed in the Library of the House.

Common Agricultural Policy

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has put forward to the EU Agricultural Council regarding reform of the CAP.

Elliot Morley: The latest stage in the ongoing reform of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) will begin with publication of the European Commission's proposals on the mid-term review of Agenda 2000 this summer.
	We are urging the Commission to publish radical proposals based around a shift from production linked support (pillar 1 of the CAP) to support for agri- environment and rural development measures (pillar 2 of the CAP). We will continue to argue this during negotiations which are expected to continue through 2002 with a final agreement in the first half of 2003.

Common Agricultural Policy

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reforms have been made to the Common Agricultural Policy since 1997.

Elliot Morley: Reform of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) was agreed at the Berlin Council in March 1999. This reform, known as the Agenda 2000 agreement, represented a significant shift from price support to direct payments; reduced the economic distortions of the CAP; helped agriculture meet the challenges of further trade liberalisation; and enabled the formulation of an integrated EU rural development policy, shifting the emphasis from production support to environmental and rural economy measures in the future. It also went some way towards helping our ambitions for EU enlargement and the WTO round.
	A further reform of the sheepmeat regime was agreed by the Agriculture Council in December 2001, simplifying the regime and making it more flexible. The ewe premium will in future be paid on a flat rate basis, and the introduction of national envelopes provides a valuable mechanism for targeting extra support for the sheep sector and for encouraging environmentally beneficial farming practices.
	At the Berlin Council in 1999, it was agreed that elements of the Agenda 2000 package would be subject to mid-term review. We await the Commission's mid-term review proposals, which are expected this summer. In the mid-term review we will be looking to build on the Agenda 2000 reform, which we do not believe went far enough, and arguing for a further shift away from production linked support (pillar 1 of the CAP) to agri- environment and rural development measures (pillar 2 of the CAP).

Castle Award

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department has applied for a Castle award.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 22 May 2002
	DEFRA has not applied for a Castle Award this year. However, we take the issues of pay equality very seriously and have already completed some very thorough Equal Pay Audits in preparation for modernising our pay system. We are also planning to carry out an Equal Pay Review later this year.

Carbon Trading

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the rules are for carbon trading for companies participating in climate change agreements; and what the timetable is for their application.

Michael Meacher: In August 2001, the Government published the "Framework for the UK Emissions Trading Scheme" which sets out how companies participating in climate change agreements will be able to trade carbon dioxide emission allowances. In April 2002, the Government issued guidance on how companies and sector associations in climate change agreements might wish to manage their interface with the UK emissions trading scheme. The Government intend to consult on legal rules to supplement these guidance documents in June 2002.
	Since 2 April 2002, companies in climate change agreements have been able to buy allowances in the UK emissions trading scheme. Once the rules are finalised, they will be able to use these allowances to meet the target in their climate change agreement. However, the Government will not allocate any allowances to companies that have overachieved their target until companies' emissions have been independently verified at the end of the current 'target period'. Depending on the industrial sector, the current 'target period' will end between 30 September and 31 December 2002.

Departmental Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent by her Department on paying pensions to retired employees of her Department in 2001–02; if she will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if she will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if she will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Staff of this Department and its Executive Agencies are eligible for membership of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS)—the occupational pension scheme for civil servants. The Cabinet Office is responsible for this scheme and pays the pensions of retired members centrally. They will answer in respect of civil servants who are PCSPS members. This will include DEFRA and its Agencies.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to her Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed;
	(2)  what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to her Department; and what assistance is given by officials in her Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Elliot Morley: Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Common Fisheries Policy

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Minister of Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive regarding the Common Fisheries Policy; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 May 2002
	I frequently meet the Minister of Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive to discuss fisheries matters, and last did so on 17 April.

Common Fisheries Policy

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she estimates that the European Commission will publish its proposals on the future of the European Common Fisheries Policy; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The Commission has said that it intends to make a presentation on its proposals to the Council of Fisheries Ministers on 11 June. This implies that the proposals should be published in advance of that. I and my right hon. friend the Secretary of State have made clear to the Commission that we consider progress in reviewing the Common Fisheries Policy to be a vital step in securing a sustainable future for fishing, and that we wish to see the proposals as soon as possible.

Common Fisheries Policy

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) each other EU member state regarding the Common Fisheries Policy; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 May 2002
	Both I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State have recently had discussions with the Commissioner for Fisheries and with the fisheries ministers of various member states.

Twelve-mile Limit

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the status of negotiations to extend the lifespan of the 12 mile limit derogation; which countries have indicated an aversion to so doing; and if delegations have made linkage between extension and UK agreement in different fields.

Elliot Morley: This issue falls to be negotiated as part of the forthcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The negotiations have yet to start: the Commission has not yet issued its proposals, but says that they are imminent. It is to be expected in a negotiation on a matter such as this that delegations will seek to link issues in pursuit of their objectives. But on the matter of 6 and 12 mile limits it is plain from views already declared that a clear majority of member states favours retention of the present arrangements.

Coral Reefs

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps her Department has taken to protect coral reefs.

Michael Meacher: Under the Jakarta Mandate of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Government is working internationally to protect coral reefs, notably to tackle coral bleaching and activities that can result in their physical degradation and destruction. The UK was a founding member of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).
	Our Darwin Initiative plays an important part in our contribution to implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity in developing countries, including marine biodiversity and coral reefs. The UK has committed substantial funding to support the development of improved understanding and better management of tropical coral reef ecosystems, recognising the importance of the resource to the livelihoods of many vulnerable coastal communities in developing countries.
	Furthermore, the cold water corals off the north west coast of Scotland, the Darwin Mounds, are expected to be the first habitat to be afforded Special Area of Conservation status once regulations to extend the Habitats Directive out to the limit of jurisdiction of UK waters are in place.

Broiler Chickens

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the quantity and type of therapeutic and non-therapeutic drugs given to broiler chickens.

Elliot Morley: There are 85 veterinary medicines currently authorised in the UK for use in chickens. 37 of these are for therapeutic use and the remaining 48 are for prophylactic use. A list of these has been placed in the Library of the House.
	We do not collect details of the quantities of these drugs that are used in the UK. However details of the quantities of antimicrobial products sold for use in chickens can be found in the report "Sales of Antimicrobial Products used as Veterinary Medicines, Growth Promoters and Coccidiostats in the UK in 2000." This report is available from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS. It is also available on the VMD's website (www.vmd.gov.uk). Copies have also been placed in the Library of the House.

Regional Foods

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average (a) time and (b) cost has been for registering a regional food in the last 12 months; and what assistance including advertising, her Department provides to organisations wishing to register a regional food.

Elliot Morley: Regional foods can be registered as EU protected food names under a system set up under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2081–92. The application process for registering such products involves a number of steps including checks by both this Department, the agriculture Departments of the devolved Administrations and the Commission to ensure that the applications meet the necessary criteria for registration. Participation in the scheme is voluntary. No fee is charged on producers wishing to register a product.
	In the last 12 months no UK regional food has been registered as a protected food name although a number have been lodged with the European Commission who are currently considering whether they meet the criteria for registration. Officials from this Department work closely with colleagues from the agriculture Departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the applicant themselves in handling applications. The work involves advising applicants, both in writing and face- to-face, on the application process, the consideration of application and liaising with the European Commission. It is estimated that the staff costs to the Department for this work in the last 12 months is £15,106.10.

Regional Foods

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many regional foods are registered in (a) Angus, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Elliot Morley: No regional foods have been registered as protected food names in Angus. Five regional foods have been registered in Scotland, (and including these) 31 in the UK.

Regional Foods

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice is given by her Department to organisations wishing to register a regional food.

Elliot Morley: The Department provides written advice to organisations wishing to register a regional food. This advice covers the eligibility criteria, the information needed to support an application and details of the application process. In addition, officials from this Department, or if appropriate, officials from one of the agriculture Departments in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will visit potential applicants to advise them about completion of the required application form.

Regional Foods

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many regional foods are registered in each other EU member state.

Elliot Morley: The number of regional foods registered as protected food names by other EU member states is set out in the table:
	
		
			  Member state No. of registered protected food names 
		
		
			 Austria 11 
			 Belgium 4 
			 Denmark 12 
			 Finland 2 
			 France 127 
			 Germany 62 
			 Greece 88 
			 Ireland 3 
			 Italy 117 
			 Luxembourg 4 
			 Netherlands 5 
			 Portugal 72 
			 Spain 71 
			 Sweden 2 
		
	
	Source:
	European Commission (April 2002)

Animal Transportation Directive

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the effect of the proposed EU directive on animal transportation to the UK livestock industry;
	(2)  what discussions she has had with her counterparts in the (a) Scottish Executive, (b) National Assembly for Wales and (c) Northern Ireland Assembly on the implications for the UK livestock industry of the proposed EU directive on animal transportation;
	(3)  what representations she has received from farming organisations in Scotland on the impact of the proposed EU directive on animal transport to the livestock industry in Scotland.

Elliot Morley: There are as yet no proposals from the Commission to amend the EU transport directive.

Agriculture Industry

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she next intends to meet representatives of (a) the Royal Agricultural Society and (b) the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society to discuss the future viability of the agriculture industry.

Elliot Morley: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has no plans to meet the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society to discuss the future viability of the agriculture industry. The Royal Agriculture Society will be my right hon. Friend's hosts at the Royal Show on 1 July.

EU Agriculture Council

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she last represented the United Kingdom at the European Union Agriculture Council; and what was discussed.

Elliot Morley: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 26 April 2002 to the hon. Member for Clydesdale (Jimmy Hood), Official Report, column 510W.

Seed Regulations

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to amend the Seed (National List of Varieties) Regulations 2001; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Changes to the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 2001 will be needed in the near future to amend references to EC seeds marketing directives which are currently being codified by the Council of the European Union, and other minor matters.
	In addition, the Government said on 28 November 2000, in reply to a Parliamentary Question about changes to the arrangements for requesting a hearing on proposed National List decisions, that it would wish to consider, in the light of the proposed addition of a genetically modified plant variety, Chardon LL, to the National List, whether the current arrangements are satisfactory for all parties. The Chardon LL Hearing will finish around mid June this year and it remains the Government's intention to review how those arrangements have worked. If changes are proposed, all interested parties will be consulted.

BSE

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to tighten controls on imports of beef and beef products from the EU relating to the risks posed by BSE.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Controls in relation to BSE, on trade in beef and beef products from other member states and imports from non-EU countries, are in force on an EU wide basis. In addition the UK applies national measures to prohibit the sale of meat from cattle aged over thirty months, whether home produced or imported, subject to certain specified exceptions. There are no current plans to change these rules but we and the European Commission keep the situation under regular review.

Agricultural Shows

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the veterinary assessment of the risk to bio- security posed by cow-pats at agricultural shows; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Veterinary and scientific advice is that livestock shows pose a risk of the transmission of Foot and Mouth or other notifiable diseases because large numbers of animals, vehicles and people are brought together from a number of different farms. Hence strict biosecurity is needed. Animal faeces may contain Foot and Mouth virus and other animal pathogens, which may survive in faeces for a period of time. Show organisers are required to draw up a biosecurity operating plan and appoint a biosecurity officer to ensure that the show licence conditions are followed. These conditions include that if animals cross a public area, any faeces is removed as far as possible and the spot covered, for example with sawdust, as is normal hygienic practice.

Animal Gatherings

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason no regulatory impact assessments were carried out by her Department before publication of the (a) Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Order 2002 and (b) Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment) Order 2002; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) 2002 and the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment ) Order 2002 are part of the legislation implementing the interim rules on animal movements put in place after last year's outbreak. These Orders were developed in a short timescale in consultation with the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and other industry representatives. They represent a gradual and proportionate easing of restrictions that applied in last year's outbreak, and are based on veterinary advice. They will be reviewed in the light of the findings of the independent inquiries into the foot and mouth outbreak.

Animal Gatherings

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to provide financial support for biosecurity measures under the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Amendment Order 2002; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 24 May 2002
	I have no such plans. It is the responsibility of market operators and show organisers to take the required biosecurity precautions.

Animal Gatherings

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with interested individuals and organisations regarding the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) (Amendment) Order 2002; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and other show organisers made representations to the Department that the 28 days restriction on the use of land both before and after shows for FMD susceptible livestock would cause many small livestock shows to be cancelled or only go ahead without livestock.
	Following further veterinary advice, we introduced the Animal Gatherings (Interim Measures) (England) Amendment Order 2002 so as to lift the 28 day restriction after shows. The measure therefore eases the rules on livestock shows.

Carcase Disposal

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will apply for a derogation from the EU Animal By-Products Regulations (off-farm carcase disposal) in respect of remote areas.

Elliot Morley: We propose to derogate from the regulation to permit the burial or burning of fallen stock in defined remote areas. These will be the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Carcase Disposal

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the cost to the farming industry of complying with the EU Animal By-Products Regulations for off-farm carcase disposal.

Elliot Morley: Regulatory impact assessments on the Animal By-Products Regulation were placed in the Library of the House on 27 November 2000, 26 February 2001 and 4 February 2002, along with explanatory memoranda on the regulation (reference 12646/00 and 12648/00, 15438/01 and 15541/01).

Carcase Disposal

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the proportion of farm businesses which have no facilities for arranging off-farm carcase disposal.

Elliot Morley: No such estimate has been made. However, we are in discussion with the livestock and disposal industries over future arrangements for the disposal of fallen stock. We hope that those arrangements will enable all farm businesses, with the possible exception of those in the defined remote areas, to have access to facilities for the off-farm disposal of fallen stock.

Recycling and Waste Recovery

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets she has set her Department for (a) business packaging waste recovery and (b) business packaging recycling; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Department has been working towards cross-Government targets for general waste management. These are:
	To recover a minimum of 40 per cent. total office waste, with at least 25 per cent. of that recovery coming from recycling or composting by March 2001.
	To have paper recycling schemes in place in all offices with more than 50 staff by April 2002.
	New targets for waste management are due to be set later this year as part of the new Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate.
	No separate targets are set in respect of business packaging waste.

Refrigerators

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what conclusions of relevance to the future implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive her Department has drawn from the United Kingdom experience with end of life refrigerators.

Michael Meacher: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive has not yet been finalised. It is expected to be adopted later this year. However, UK officials are currently consulting all stakeholders on the best means of implementation and will take full account of previous experience of EU legislation. As a directive, the draft WEEE legislation allows a degree of flexibility in its implementation which contrasts with the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) legislation which is a directly applicable regulation.

Energy Efficiency

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to publish a domestic energy efficiency strategy.

Michael Meacher: The Government are developing a domestic energy efficiency strategy to 2010. Energy efficiency, including domestic energy efficiency, will be addressed in the Energy White Paper, which will be published towards the end of the year.

Waste Incinerators

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what (a) gases and (b) emission levels have breached legal limits in each of the last five years from the Edmonton Incinerator; what impact this had on local air quality; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  on which dates in each of the last five years London Waste has been found in breach of legal limits on emissions at its Edmonton incinerator; what penalties were imposed by the Environment Agency in response to each of those breaches; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The table lists the dates within the last three and a half years on which the Environment Agency has recorded emissions breaching a limit set in the authorisation for the Edmonton incinerator.
	The information presented gives the averaged emission over the period of a breach, which may last up to a few hours.
	The Environment Agency informs me that files relating to the remainder of the last five years have been lost. However, the remaining files indicate that there were additionally reported breaches on 24 November 1997, 2 December 1997 and 14 April 1998 but no data on the types or levels of emission are available.
	In response to the increased number of breaches of the hydrogen chloride limit in 1999, the Agency wrote a strongly worded letter to the operator of the incinerator. In response to this letter the operator instituted a series of actions that has virtually eliminated these breaches.
	In response to the increased number of breaches of the carbon monoxide limit in 2001 the Agency issued an enforcement notice requiring the operator to analyse the causes of the breaches and report the results of the analysis to the Agency. The reports show that if there is a loss of waste feed to the incinerator the resulting excess air cools the flame resulting in increased carbon monoxide emissions. The most common causes of a loss of waste feed are failure of the waste feed ram, bulky items blocking the waste feed chute and blockages of the ash removal mechanism. The enforcement notice and the operator's responses are on the Public Register maintained by the Agency which can be viewed at the following address:
	North East Area Office (Thames Region)
	Apollo Court
	2 Bishops Square Business Park
	St. Albans Road West
	Hatfield
	AL10 9EX.
	With regard to the impact of such breaches on local air quality, both the operator and the Agency have carried out dispersion modelling of emissions from the plant. The Agency has modelled emissions from the plant under worst case breach conditions in comparison with current standards. It was concluded that at the highest recorded level of emissions there would not be a breach of an air quality standard.
	
		mg/Nm(51) 
		
			  Date  Emission Value—average emission  Emission limit 
		
		
			 22 September 1998 Hydrogen chloride 103 30 
			 22 September 1998 Hydrogen chloride 90 30 
			 22 September 1999 Sulphur dioxide 217 300 
			 22 September 1998 Sulphur dioxide 242 300 
			 21 December 1998 Hydrogen chloride 55 30 
			 17 February 1999 Carbon monoxide 331 100 
			 17 February 1999 Sulphur dioxide 454 300 
			 17 February 1999 Sulphur dioxide 512 300 
			 6 April 1999 Carbon monoxide 167 100 
			 6 April 1999 Carbon monoxide 180 100 
			 22 July 1999 Hydrogen chloride 140 30 
			 22 July 1999 Hydrogen chloride 48 30 
			 27 July 1999 Hydrogen chloride 518 30 
			 4 October 1999 Hydrogen chloride 62 30 
			 4 November 1999 Hydrogen chloride 83 30 
			 23 November 1999 Hydrogen chloride 152 30 
			 23 November 1999 Hydrogen chloride 69 30 
			 22 May 2000 Carbon monoxide 132 100 
			 21 June 2000 Carbon monoxide 302 100 
			 28 July 2000 Carbon monoxide 308 100 
			 10 August 2000 Carbon monoxide 311 100 
			 21 November 2000 Carbon monoxide 145 100 
			 22 November 2000 Carbon monoxide 179 100 
			 18 October 2000 Carbon monoxide 269 100 
			 18 October 2000 Carbon monoxide 450 100 
			 19 January 2001 Carbon monoxide 106 100 
			 30 January 2001 Carbon monoxide 101 100 
			 9 February 2001 Carbon monoxide 132 100 
			 19 February 2001 Carbon monoxide 138 100 
			 20 February 2001 Carbon monoxide 178 100 
			 26 February 2001 Hydrogen chloride 54 30 
			 26 February 2001 Hydrogen chloride 34 30 
			 26 February 2001 Carbon monoxide 163 100 
			 5 March 2001 Carbon monoxide 212 100 
			 9 March 2001 Carbon monoxide 165 100 
			 22 March 2001 Carbon monoxide 267 100 
			 4 May 2001 Particulate 30 30 
			 18 May 2001 Carbon monoxide 138 100 
			 21 May 2001 Carbon monoxide 150 100 
			 31 May 2001 Carbon monoxide 156 100 
			 30 May 2001 Carbon monoxide 172 100 
			 21 June 2001 Carbon monoxide 136 100 
			 5 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 174 100 
			 3 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 131 100 
			 2 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 237 100 
			 17 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 151 100 
			 3 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 308 100 
			 11 July 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 443 350 
			 11 July 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 352 350 
			 19 July 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 355 350 
			 12 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 231 100 
			 23 July 2001 Carbon monoxide 295 100 
			 22 August 2001 Carbon monoxide 279 100 
			 3 August 2001 Carbon monoxide 185 100 
			 3 August 2001 Carbon monoxide 242 100 
			 7 August 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 355 350 
			 7 August 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 359 350 
			 7 August 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 354 350 
			 10 August 2001 Oxides of nitrogen 355 350 
			 17 October 2001 Carbon monoxide 297 100 
			 25 October 2001 Carbon monoxide 272 100 
			 12 November 2001 Carbon monoxide 340 100 
			 28 November 2001 Carbon monoxide 201 100 
			 31 December 2001 Carbon monoxide 288 100 
			 5 February 2002 Carbon monoxide 145 100 
			 25 February 2002 Carbon monoxide 208 100

Waste Incinerators

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to improve the regulatory framework in which energy from waste incinerators operate in order to ensure breaches in emissions are minimised; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: 'Energy from Waste' incinerators are already tightly regulated through authorisations issued under the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) regime. This regulatory regime is being subsumed into the even more exacting Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC). Existing energy from waste incinerators will have to apply for IPPC permits by 31 August 2005.
	Additionally, we are currently transposing the new Waste Incineration Directive (WID), which will further tighten emissions standards. This will apply to all new incinerators within its scope by 28 December 2002, and to existing plant by 28 December 2005.
	The Environment Agency has also recently varied the authorisations for existing municipal solid waste incinerators to reduce the dioxin emission limit to that required by the WID.
	In all cases, authorisations and permits specify stringent emission limits and other operating conditions with which the operator must comply. The Environment Agency assesses compliance through its monitoring and inspection programmes.

Waste Incinerators

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action is being taken by the Environment Agency to reduce emissions of gases from energy from waste incinerators; what improvements have been registered in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Environment Agency has implemented the EU Municipal Waste Incineration Directives through the Integrated Pollution Control regime by imposing emission limits which are as strict as, or stricter than, those required by these directives. In addition, the agency has imposed limits for nitrogen oxides and dioxins although they were not required by the directives, and, in general, tighter limits for heavy metals.
	The agency has also issued variation notices which have:
	reduced dioxin and metals emission limits for those plants where emissions are significantly below the current limits;
	increased or maintained the extractive sampling frequency for the sector;
	for those incinerators without continuous emission monitoring systems for volatile organic compounds, required them to be installed; and
	required the operators to review the techniques for continuous dioxin monitoring.
	The table summarises improvements made during the last five years at the 11 operational municipal waste incinerators, regulated by the Environment Agency, which recover energy from waste.
	
		
			 Operator Location Improvements 
		
		
			 London Waste Ltd. Edmonton, London Plant upgraded and recommissioned 1997 
			 SELCHP Deptford, London Installed oxides of nitrogen abatement (SNCR) August 1998 
			 Coventry and Solihull Waste Disposal Co. Ltd. Coventry Plant abatement upgraded 1996–97 
			 MES Environmental Ltd. Dudley, West Midlands New plant commissioned 1998 
			 MES Environmental Ltd. Wolverhampton New plant commissioned 1998 
			 MES Environmental Ltd. Stoke-on-Trent New plant commissioned 1998 
			 Tyseley Waste Disposal Ltd. Tyseley, Birmingham New plant commissioned 1998 
			 Waste Recycling Group plc Nottingham Plant upgraded and recommissioned 1997 
			 GM Waste Ltd. Bolton, Lancashire New plant commissioned 2000 
			 Sheffield city council Sheffield Plant upgraded and recommissioned 1997–98. Application for new plant currently being determined. 
			 Cleveland Waste Management Billingham, Cleveland New plant commissioned 1–99

Waste Management

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many and what type of composting facilities are in operation in each local authority; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  which local authorities have offered home compost bins to their residents.

Michael Meacher: This information is not collected centrally; however indications are that an increasing number of local authorities see composting in all its forms as an integral part of their waste management strategy.

Waste Management

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if catering waste as defined in the Animal By-Products Order 1999 includes waste from domestic kitchens; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 13 May 2002
	Catering waste as defined in the Animal By-Products Order 1999 includes domestic kitchen waste. Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the order was amended in May 2001 to make it an offence to allow livestock and poultry to have access to any catering waste which contains meat or most other products of animal origin, or which originates from premises which handle such products. The aim was to prevent livestock and poultry from having access to material which might introduce or spread animal diseases.

Waste Management

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice and funds her Department is making available to local authorities to (a) devise and (b) implement zero waste strategies.

Michael Meacher: "Zero waste" is a term that is used in different ways in different countries. Some use it to mean no waste to landfill; others use it to mean that no waste is sent to any form of final disposal. Some claim that in nature there is no such thing as waste; that what is waste for one species is a resource for another. They believe humans should emulate nature and build a society in which all "wastes" can be reused as resources.
	This Government have not adopted a goal of zero waste, but many of the policies and actions necessary to achieve zero waste are outlined in 'Waste Strategy 20'. The challenge is to develop policies that reduce the waste we generate, while at the same time ensuring the safe disposal of wastes for which efficient re-use, recycling or recovery solutions have not yet been found.
	Under the Best Value regime local authorities should set targets for waste reduction and produce Municipal Waste Management Strategies, in line with the national waste strategy, which prioritise waste minimisation wherever practicable. Each Municipal Waste Management Strategy should clearly set out the local authority's proposals for collection, treatment and disposal of waste, its plans for achieving the statutory recycling and composting targets and its proposals to meet waste reduction targets.
	In March last year DETR issued guidance to local authorities on the development of Municipal Waste Management Strategies. This guidance contained a section on implementing the Waste Minimisation Act 1998 and included a case study on a waste reduction project.
	The principal means for funding local authority waste management functions, including waste reduction, is through general grant. This is distributed through Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs). Waste management is within the Environmental Protection and Cultural Services (EPCS) SSA. The EPCS SSA increases over the three years of the Spending Review from 2001–02 to 2003–04 by £1.1 billion. Consistent with the general local authority financial framework, it is for individual local authorities to decide the proportion of their budget that should be directed to waste management work.
	Local councils in England also have access to a £140 million household waste minimisation and recycling fund to help them meet their recycling and composting statutory targets. The Government hope the money will help move local authorities away from traditional landfill dumping in favour of recycling/recovery and as a result minimise the amount of waste generated.
	Future funding for local authority waste management will be determined by the outcomes of the 2002 spending review.

Farm Animals

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will give farmers in England an option to apply the 20 day standstill only to animals brought onto the farm and to animals to be moved off, and not to the rest of the animals on the farm, on condition that they are kept separate and that laid down biosecurity measures are observed.

Elliot Morley: This and other possible variations to the 20-day standstill provisions which currently apply in England and Wales under the interim livestock movement rules are being reviewed from a veterinary and economic standpoint. No decisions have yet been taken. Whatever changes may be made to the interim rules this summer, the Government intend to take full account of any relevant findings from the FMD inquiries before they reach a final view on the role that a 20day standstill might play in the longer term.

EU Habitats Directive

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the letter signed by the hon. Member for Scunthorpe of 7 April 2002, what progress is being made in the drafting of regulations that will apply the EU Habitats Directive beyond 12 nautical miles, with particular reference to the situation of the Darwin Mounds and coral reef off Rockall.

Michael Meacher: Preparation of legislation is continuing with the intention of public consultation this summer. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has just reported to my Department on possible selection criteria for sites to be identified for protection under these regulations once they are made. The proposed selection criteria address reef habitats as well as sandbanks, submerged sea-caves and gaseous vents, plus numerous species. A copy of the report is being placed in the House Library.

Scottish Executive

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many representations the Scottish Executive has made to her Department since May 1999, broken down by (a) Scottish Executive Department, (b) subject and (c) date.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 601W.

Scottish Executive

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times her Office has made representations to the Scottish Executive since May 1999, broken down by (a) department approached, (b) subject and (c) date.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 601W. DEFRA was formed only in June 2001. Since then DEFRA Ministers have had regular meetings with their counterparts in the Scottish Executive. There has also been frequent contact at Private Office level by telephone and in writing.

Scotland Office

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to transfer the administration of reserved powers and functions of her Department, its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies within its remit from her Department to the Scotland Office.

Elliot Morley: None.

Ministerial Accommodation

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what publicly owned accommodation is made available to her in her official role; how many nights she has been in residence at each of these properties in the last 12 months; and what the total cost was of maintaining each of these properties in the last 12 months.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), on 28 February 2002, Official Report, column 1443W and by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Mr. Collins), on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 599 and on 28 January 2002, Official Report, column 91W.

Departmental Policies (Wycombe)

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the activities pursued by her Department that have had a particular impact on the Wycombe constituency since 7 June 2001.

Elliot Morley: FMD Signposts to Recovery conference, held in Berkshire end of June 2001, which covered the Wycombe District. This was one of two seminars held in the region. This was to assist businesses in the recovery process from foot and mouth disease and any precautionary measures. The conference was targeted at advisers and advisory organisations in public and private sectors that regularly provide support, advice or information to rural businesses, e.g. SEEDA, CA, SE Tourist Board, NFU and Farm Crisis Network. Information was provided from a variety of Government sponsored agencies and partner organisations, Rural Business Recovery Fund, Farm Business Advisory Service, Countryside Agency Grants.
	A planning seminar was held in January 2002 to cover the three counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Wycombe District Council as the planning authority was invited to attend. There were four seminars held in total across the region, in a series resulting from the Government's Action Plan for Farming. The seminar focused on farm diversification and rural business development issues and brought together relevant partners at the regional and local level, to take account of regional needs and variations.
	Wycombe district is currently making changes to its deposit draft of its local plan to be adopted and run until 2011. The policies within this deposit draft have been assessed with regard to PPG7, by DEFRA representatives in the Government Office for the South East, which sets out how the Government's objectives for rural areas should be reflected in land use planning. Specific policies have been commented on and suggestions for appropriate wording given.
	Wycombe District Council has held a Rural Affairs Seminar, which was attended by DEFRA regional representation, on 23 November 2001 at which James Ellis MEP gave a presentation on the Reform of the CAP. Representatives from the parishes within the Wycombe constituency were present as well as interest groups and local farmers, which provided an opportunity for networking between rural partners.
	The South East Rural Affairs Forum has been successfully set up, by DEFRA in the GOSE following recommendations in the Rural White Paper. The first meeting of the group was on 15 April in Guildford. This forum gives the opportunity for rural stakeholders across the south east to give their views on how rural policy is being delivered in the region. Councillor Bill Lidgate is representative on the forum covering Buckinghamshire's area. He is a member of the county council, and South Buckinghamshire district council with extensive knowledge of issues facing rural communities. He is a farmer who runs diversified rural enterprises including pedigree herd and retail farm shop. Chair of the Royal South Bucks Agricultural Association.
	The Countryside Agency, English Nature and Forestry Commission have been actively working with the Chilterns AONB which covers a major area of the constituency, and other partners to develop sustainable approaches to ensuring the long-term prospects for the chalk grasslands and beech woodlands that contribute to the unique characteristic of the Chiltern landscape. This involves developing support mechanisms and incentives for the farming and forestry practices that will perpetuate these features, working with producers through to the marketing of end products.
	Applications for the England rural development programme have been received from within Wycombe constituency. There has been one successful rural enterprise scheme project to date and there are currently two Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements covering collectively approximately 8ha. In addition 97ha are currently being managed under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme.
	In addition to the ERDP there are continuing CAP payments for most farms in the constituency.

Heat Generation

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to promote schemes which would encourage heat generation from renewable or coppiced wood crops.

Elliot Morley: In April the Government launched the bioenergy capital grant scheme which includes funding for the development of the heat market utilising purpose grown energy crops or forestry wood fuel. Further funding will be available from a community and household capital grant scheme which will be launched later this year. In England, the energy crops scheme, part of the rural development programme, has allocated £29 million to solid biomass and this can support feedstocks for heat generation. Officials are also working closely with the local support teams set up by the Countryside Agency, through the community renewables initiative, to develop markets for renewables.

Heat Generation

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to promote ethanol production from renewable or coppiced wood crops.

Elliot Morley: The Government-Industry Forum on the Non-Food Uses of Crops is studying the potential for bioethanol production. This includes an assessment of the new production technologies which utilise lignocellulosic feedstocks, including purpose grown crops and forest material, and which are likely to give a better environmental return. The Government have also launched a second round of the green fuel challenge inviting bids for pilot projects for biofuels, including bioethanol, which would qualify for duty reductions. In England, the energy crops scheme, part of the rural development programme, has allocated £29 million to solid biomass and this can support feedstocks for bioethanol production. Finally, the Government are considering carefully the recommendation of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food that duty on biofuels should be reduced to the rates applied to other clean fuels.

Abandoned Cars

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the companies and their location contracted to take abandoned cars collected by local authorities in (a) London and (b) West Sussex.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 10 April 2002
	This information is not held centrally.

Noise

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the population was exposed to noise levels of (a) 55–65 dBLAeq over 24 hours and (b) over 65 dBLAeq over 24 hours in the last 12 months.

Michael Meacher: The Government do not assess the number of people, across the whole country, exposed to noise every year and so there are no data relating specifically to the last 12 months. Such an exercise is, however, carried out periodically and levels outside dwellings were last measured, in 2000 for England and Wales and 2001 for Scotland and Northern Ireland, at over 1,000 sites in total, for a 24 hour period. The results of this National Noise Incidence Survey, which I announced on 20 May 2002, established that 24 per cent. of the population was exposed to noise levels between 55–65 dBLAeq over 24 hours and 2 per cent. of the population was exposed to noise levels greater than 65 dBLAeq over 24 hours. It should be noted that these dBLAeq levels represent the "free field" values outside dwellings. Such levels outside dwellings (i.e. ignoring sound reflected back from the façade of the dwelling) are, of course, greater than the actual levels experienced from external sources inside the home. I have arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Libraries of both houses.

Noise

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many domestic noise complaints were received by local authorities in each of the last three years.

Michael Meacher: Figures for 2000–01, published by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), were announced by myself on 20 December 2001. These show a fall in the 2000–01 figures to 5,001 domestic noise complaints received by local authorities per million population, from 5,149 per million population in 1999–2000. In 1998–99 the figure was 4,330 domestic noise complaints per million population.
	These figures are compiled using questionnaires returned by local authorities in England and Wales on an annual basis. This information has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses, and is also available on the DEFRA and CIEH websites.
	
		
			 Category of noise nuisance  Complaints per million population 
		
		
			 2000–01  
			 Industrial 346 
			 Commercial/leisure 1,038 
			 Domestic 5,001 
			 Construction/demolition sites 325 
			 Vehicles 162 
			 Equipment in the street 209 
			 1999–2000  
			 Industrial 421 
			 Commercial/leisure 960 
			 Domestic 5,149 
			 Construction/demolition sites 292 
			 Vehicles 156 
			 Equipment in the street 113 
			   
			 1998–99  
			 Industrial 444 
			 Commercial/leisure 836 
			 Domestic 4,330 
			 Construction/demolition sites 248 
			 Vehicles 146 
			 Equipment in the street 107

Bee Disease

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what support she offers the bee keeping industry in relation to bee disease; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Department takes very seriously the threat to honeybees from pests and diseases and is funding a range of measures to protect bee health, at a cost of around £1.4 million in 2002–03. Under these measures, the National Bee Unit (NBU), part of the Central Science Laboratory, provides a free diagnostic and inspection service to the beekeeping sector in England as well as training and education to help beekeepers become more self-reliant through improved bee husbandry.

Correspondence

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letter of 2 July 2001 from the hon. Member for Torbay concerning the welfare of pigs in indoor intensive units.

Elliot Morley: I am sorry there was a long delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter. A reply was sent on 16 March 2002.

WEEE Directive

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what new arrangements will be necessary to meet the recovery monitoring requirements outlined in the EU WEEE Directive; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the adequacy of recovery and recycling infrastructure in the UK in respect of EU Directives shortly to be introduced with specific reference to those dealing with (a) end of life vehicles, (b) waste electrical and electronic goods and (c) packaging waste;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of whether the new recovery and recycling facilities made necessary by the EU WEEE Directive will be in place by the time the legislation becomes UK national law.

Michael Meacher: The Directive is still the subject of negotiation and, therefore the precise requirements in terms of collection, recovery and recycling are not yet known. The UK will have 18 months from the date the Directive is adopted to transpose the Directive into national law.
	A substantial quantity of WEEE is currently recovered in the UK, particularly the larger items—white goods—such as fridges, cookers and dishwashers. There are adequate facilities for processing the existing disposals of WEEE through a wide range of re-use facilities, treatment sites and shredder operations licensed or registered exempt through the Environment Agency. These include community based refurbishment initiatives for household electrical items, scrap metal processors who take in white goods and shredders which take a range of WEEE in addition to white goods. Smaller items of WEEE, which generally have a high ratio of plastics to metal, are likely to prove the most challenging fraction of WEEE to collect and recycle.
	We believe the existing recovery and recycling infrastructure will be adequate to meet the targets which are set in the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive. The UK has a long-established and extensive infrastructure for the dismantling, recovery and recycling of ELVs. The Environment Agency currently regulates around 3,500 sites that deal with ELVs. There may, however, need to be an expansion in the market for recycled material from ELVs; we therefore welcome the fact that the Directive encourages the use of such material in vehicle manufacture.
	The European Commission has proposed a new Directive setting revised recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste for 2006. This is currently being considered by member states.

Departmental Logo

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent on designing and producing a new logo for her Department; for what reason a new logo was needed; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 22 April 2002
	The cost of designing and producing the interim DEFRA logo required at immediate notice when the department was set up in June 2001 and still currently in use was £18,998.00.

Canoeing

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Environment Agency has published research into the impact of canoeing on (a) fish and (b) the environment; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency published an R&D report in 2000 on 'The Effects of Canoeing on Fish Stock and Angling'. The research was commissioned to assess the extent to which canoeing affects fish populations and the extent to which canoeing can conflict with angling.
	The general conclusion from this study was that canoeing is not harmful to fish populations. The main area of conflict between anglers and canoeists centres around the actual or perceived disturbance of angling. Neither this research, nor any other Agency funded research, have addressed the issue of the impact of canoeing on the wider environment.

Fishing Industry

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has of the (a) value and (b) destination of EU grants for (i) new fishing vessels and (ii) decommissioning of fishing vessels in each year since 1997.

Elliot Morley: No EU grants have been awarded in the UK since 1997 for the construction of new fishing vessels.
	There have been decommissioning schemes in 1997 and 2001–02. The 1997 scheme was a UK-wide programme. 104 vessels were decommissioned at a cost of £13.9 million. For 2001–02 separate schemes are in place in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The English scheme is complete but approvals continue in the other schemes. Estimates of the results of the schemes are as follows:
	
		
			  Number of vessels Cost £ million 
		
		
			 England 32 6.1 
			 Scotland 97 24.8 
			 N. Ireland 30 4.5 
			  
			 Total 159 35.4

Supermarkets

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on anti-competitive practices in the purchasing of horticultural produce by supermarkets.

Elliot Morley: We have not received any representations about anti-competitive practices in the purchasing of horticultural produce by supermarkets.
	Responsibility for competition issues rests with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the investigation of competition cases is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading.

CABINET OFFICE

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Cabinet Office if (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Douglas Alexander: No. The policy of the Cabinet Office and its agencies is to consider all applications regardless of age.

Public Consultations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Cabinet Office if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his officials since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

Douglas Alexander: The following formal national public consultations, which are subject to the Code of Practice on Written Consultation, have been undertaken by the Cabinet Office since June 2001:
	(a) Raising the Educational Attainment of Children in Care (July 2001);
	(b) Transport and Social Exclusion (July 2001);
	(c) The Future of Emergency Planning in England and Wales (August 2001);
	(d) Licensing of Crown Copyright (HMSO) (October 2001).
	The number of respondents for each was as follows:
	(a) Raising the Educational Attainment of Children in Care: 200 responses to the consultation document and 2,000 responses to questionnaires distributed through the "Who Cares?" magazine;
	(b) Transport and Social Exclusion: 788;
	(c) The Future of Emergency Planning in England and Wales: 267;
	(d) Licensing of Crown Copyright: 39.
	The Government's Code of Practice on Written Consultation places an emphasis on making formal national public consultation documents widely available and not restricting them to specific groups or individuals. Consequently there is no requirement in the code to measure the percentage of those specifically consulted who responded. In the case of the HMSO consultation on Licensing of Crown Copyright, for which records were kept on the number specifically consulted, the figure was 17.9 per cent.
	The Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit published 'Privacy and Data-Sharing: the Way Forward for Public Services' on 11 April 2002. The report included three recommendations that were raised for consultation. The consultation exercise is being managed by the Lord Chancellor's Department. As the consultation period ends on 12 July no figures are currently held on total numbers of responses.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Rosie Winterton: Between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002, the expert adviser for the Lord Chancellor's Department has accompanied a Minister overseas once. On that occasion the Lord Chancellor, a senior departmental official, the expert adviser, and a private secretary went to Brussels on official business. The total cost of the visit for the whole party was £1,670.00. All travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code, and the Civil Service Management Code.

Public Consultations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will list the public consultations undertaken by her Department since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

Rosie Winterton: The following are the public consultations that have been conducted by the Lord Chancellor's Department (and its agencies):
	
		
			  Title  Month Number of respondents 
		
		
			 Report of the Review Group on the Royal Peculiars July 2001 47 
			 Administrative Court—Proposed Changes To Primary Legislation Following Sir Jeffrey Bowman's Review Of The Crown Office List July 2001 37 
			 Towards Effective Enforcement—a single piece of bailiff law and a regulatory structure July 2001 84 
			 Payments into Court in Satisfaction of a Claim August 2001 48 
			 Report of the Review of Tribunals by Sir Andrew Leggatt August 2001 360 
			 General Pre-action Protocol November 2001 107 
		
	
	Note:
	Information on the percentage of those specifically consulted who responded is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Other consultations are still in progress.

Public Record Office

John Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement about Government policy on the acquisition of additional Public Record Office storage space to facilitate the transfer of the (a) 1921, (b) 1951, (c) 1961 and (d) 1971 census records from the Registrar-General's Department to the Public Record Office.

Rosie Winterton: . There is no Government policy to acquire additional storage space for the PRO to facilitate the transfer of these records from the Office for National Statistics. The PRO's storage capacity will be reviewed before the transfer of such records as the year of their availability to the public approaches.

Public Record Office

John Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the provisional timetable is for the transfer of the (a) 1921, (b) 1951, (c) 1961 and (d) 1971 decennial population census records for England and Wales to the Public Record Office.

Rosie Winterton: Records of the decennial population census are closed for 100 years under Lord Chancellor's Instrument number 12. The records of the population census of (a) 1921, (b) 1951, (c) 1961 and (d) 1971 are currently retained by the Office of National Statistics with the approval of the Lord Chancellor under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958 (as amended). A timetable for their transfer to the PRO will be agreed as the end of their closure period approaches.

1901 Census

James Gray: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the technical enhancements on the 1901 Census Online site will be completed.

Rosie Winterton: Under the terms of the Public Private Partnership between the PRO and QinetiQ Ltd., the latter are responsible for the technical aspects of the 1901 census website. QinetiQ have carried out technical enhancements to the site, which are being subjected to a rigorous testing programme, to verify that the site is sufficiently robust to permit general internet access.

Domestic Violence

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the average (a) cost for legal aid for and (b) number of briefings in contested private law contact or residence proceedings regarding children for cases of domestic violence was in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The average cost of legal aid and the number of hearings, to the level specified in the question, can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. We can, however, provide the numbers and average cost of claims paid in the relevant case categories during calendar years 1999–2001 and for the first four months of 2002.
	These are as follows.
	
		
			 Year Number of claims Average cost of claim (£) 
		
		
			 Residence and care proceedings   
			 1999 61,023 2,014 
			 2000 55,889 2,011 
			 2001 49,078 2,294 
			 2002(51) 15,697 2,268 
			  Domestic violence proceedings(49) 
			 1999 26,206 1,629 
			 2000 25,369 1,698 
			 2001 23,465 1,885 
			 2002(51) 7,774 1,875 
			  Combined family proceedings(50) 
			 1999 377 2,365 
			 2000 429 2,827 
			 2001 419 3,284 
			 2002(51) 124 3,569 
		
	
	(49) These may or may not involve children
	(50) These include two or more claims for ancillary relief, residence and/or contact, injunction
	(51) Includes only January to April 2002

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much funding was provided for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services supporting the provision of (a) supervised contact and (b) contact centres offering supported contact in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) was launched in April 2001. CAFCASS estimates (subject to audit) that in the financial year 2001–02, it granted £268,000 to contact centres of which £57,000 was spent on supervised contact. In addition, it granted £211,000 to contact centres offering supported contact: some of this sum may also have been spent on supervised contact which was not separately differentiated in regional returns.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 
	(1)  which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to her Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed;
	(2)  what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to her Department; and what assistance is given by officials in her Department to them in carrying out these duties.

Rosie Winterton: Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Regulatory Impact Unit

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people her Department employs in its Regulatory Impact Unit; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Lord Chancellor's Department's departmental responsibility for regulatory impacts is located in the Policy Group Secretariat Unit which employs two people to co-ordinate the work on regulatory impacts across the Department, alongside other duties.
	It is the job of Departmental Regulatory Impact Units to establish and promote the principles of good regulation in their Departments. The staff in each unit work closely with the officials responsible for developing policies within their Department and the Regulatory Impact Unit within the Cabinet Office. They focus on those regulations that impact on business, charities and the voluntary sector.

Regional Organisation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 
	(1)  which of the agencies and NDPBs sponsored by her Department have a regional organisation; and if she will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002;
	(2)  what regional organisation her Department has; and if she will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The headquarters offices of the Lord Chancellor's Department and its associated offices are not organised on a regional basis. They are located at sites in central London and elsewhere.
	LCD's sister Department, the Northern Ireland Court Service, has its administrative headquarters in Belfast with courts and tribunals located across the Province in county court divisions aligned to local government areas.
	I have today placed the information sought on the regional organisation of the agencies and NDPBs sponsored by the Lord Chancellor's Department in the Libraries of both Houses.

Golden Jubilee

Lady Hermon: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether the Union flag will be flown at the new Laganside Court complex on 1, 3 and 4 June for the official celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee.

Rosie Winterton: It is the policy of the Lord Chancellor that the Union flag should be flown at courthouses in Northern Ireland on the same basis as on Government buildings under the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
	Coronation Day (2 June) is a designated flag flying day in Northern Ireland, and accordingly the Union flag will be flown at all courthouses (including the Laganside courts complex) from 8am to sunset on that day.
	The draft Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) 2002, which are currently being considered by Parliament, propose that 1, 3 and 4 June 2002 should also be designated days for the purposes of flag flying at Government buildings in Northern Ireland. Subject to these Amendment Regulations being approved by Parliament, the Union flag will be flown at all courthouses (including the Laganside courts complex) on these days.

Legal Aid

Tim Loughton: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether those who seek class actions in the courts are entitled to legal aid.

Rosie Winterton: Public funding (formerly legal aid) is available for individual members of any group or multi-party action within the scope of the Community Legal Service (CLS) scheme. Applicants must demonstrate their financial eligibility, and applications are subject to a funding assessment of the merits of the case by the Legal Services Commission.

Certified Timber

Joan Walley: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will list the refurbishment projects that (a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber.

Rosie Winterton: There are no refurbishment projects currently in progress, but the following are planned to start within the next six months:
	Clive House, London
	GKN House, London
	Steel House, London.
	The Department's Environmental Policy for Building Requirements applies to major construction projects. This requires that only timber originating from sources which are managed in a sustainable and renewable manner is to be specified and directs architects towards the Forest Stewardship Council and other certification schemes.

"Married Life"

David Willetts: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Lord Chancellor will place a copy of the most recent "Married Life" magazine in the Library.

Rosie Winterton: A copy of "Married Life" will be placed in the House of Commons Library. "Married Life" is published by Lifecycle Marketing with an editorial board that includes One Plus One and other relationship support organisations. The magazine contains information about the marriage ceremony, relationship and legal issues. In 1999–2000 the Lord Chancellor's Department gave a one-year grant of £8,500, with the Home Office giving £10,000, to pay jointly for the publication of the magazine. Although the grant was partly funded between this Department and the Home Office, the magazine is not a Government document.

Withheld Records

Norman Baker: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many and what percentage of records relating to the Royal Family eligible for release under the 30 year rule in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 were withheld.

Rosie Winterton: It is estimated that the approximate number and percentage of records, which relate to the Royal Family and were subject to extended closure, was as follows for each of the years concerned.
	(a) 2 (2 per cent.)
	(b) 4 (5 per cent.)
	(c) 3 (4 per cent.)
	(d) 4 (5 per cent.)
	(e) 4 (6 per cent.)

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much was spent by her Department on paying pensions to retired employees of her Department in 2001–02; if she will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if she will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if she will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Rosie Winterton: Civil servants are eligible for membership of an occupational pension scheme—the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS). Pensions of retired members of the scheme are paid centrally by the Cabinet Office, who have responded to this question, and I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Leslie) on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 561W.

Jury Intimidation

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to her answer of 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 158W, on jury intimidation, when she intends to publish policy on the prevention of intimidation of jurors in Northern Ireland.

Rosie Winterton: It is intended to publish the policy on countering intimidation of jurors, witnesses, victims and other members of the public on court premises in Northern Ireland by September 2002.

Green Travel Plans

George Howarth: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what green travel plans are in place for the (a) Public Record Office and (b) the Northern Ireland Court Service.

Rosie Winterton: I apologise for the delay in responding which was due to an administrative oversight.
	(a) The Public Record Office does not have a formal green travel plan. However, in its publicity the PRO sets out the options for travelling to Kew and the Family Records Centre in Islington by public transport. The rapid development of online services means that the public are able to obtain much more information about PRO records via the internet, using computers at home or the nearest public library. A single rate motor mileage rate is paid to discourage the use of large engine vehicles, interest free loans are available for staff to purchase public transport season tickets and bicycles, and the PRO also provides facilities for its staff at Kew who wish to cycle to work, and these are currently being extended.
	(b) The Northern Ireland Court Service does not have a green travel plan in place, but its motor mileage rates discourage the use of large engine vehicles and Northern Ireland Court Service policy encourages officers to travel together when at all possible.

Green Travel Plans

George Howarth: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what green travel plans are in place for (a) the Official Solicitor's Office, (b) the Council on Tribunals, (c) the Statutory Publications Office, (d) the Judge Advocate-General's Office, (e) the staff employed on Domestic Legal Services in her Department and (f) the Legal Services Commission.

Rosie Winterton: I apologise for the delay in responding which was due to an administrative oversight.
	The Lord Chancellor's Department introduced a central green travel plan in March 1999 in respect of its main headquarters sites. There are a number of ways in which we promote greener transport, such as making interest free loans available for staff to purchase public transport season tickets and bicycles, making changes to our motor mileage rates to discourage the use of large engine vehicles, and incorporating a requirement to demonstrate vehicle journey planning and a well-maintained fleet within delivery contracts. These policies cover staff working in the Official Solicitor's Office; the Council on Tribunals; the Statutory Publications Office; and the Judge Advocate General's Office.
	(e) It is not clear which organisation is envisaged in the term "Domestic Legal Services".
	(f) The Legal Services Commission adopted an environmental strategy and policy statement in June 2001. The Commission is committed to reducing any harmful impact it may have on the environment, and in all its policy making and operational activities it has regard to sound environmental practices. It has in place a bicycle loan scheme, which provides a salary advance to full-time permanent staff in order to purchase cycle equipment and a bicycle to travel to work and/or use for business travel. Staff using a bicycle for company business may claim 20 pence per mile. The Commission also has a season ticket loan scheme to encourage staff to make use of public transport.

King Edward VIII

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations she has received about the release of official papers relating to the abdication of King Edward VIII; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Apart from questions put by hon. Members, no representations on this subject have been received recently, either by the Lord Chancellor's Department or the Public Record Office.

Medical Examinations

Betty Williams: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what discussions she has had with the Appeals Service in North Wales about contractual arrangements for the provision of a medical assistant as chaperone for medical examinations.

Maria Eagle: I have been asked to reply.
	There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend and the Appeals Service in North Wales. However, this is a matter for Neil Ward, Chief Executive of the Appeals Service. He will write to my hon. Friend.
	Letter from Neil Ward to Mrs. Betty Williams, dated 24 May 2002
	The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your question concerning contractual arrangements for the provision of a medical assistant as chaperone for medical examinations in North Wales.
	The Appeals Service awarded a national contract to British Nursing Co-operations Ltd. to supply medical assistants at appeal hearings where a medical examination is required. This contract, which is for an initial 2 year period, commenced on 1 November 2000.
	I hope this is helpful.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Civil Service

Patsy Calton: To ask the Minister for Women what the Government are doing to decrease the pay differential between men and women in the Civil Service.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government have committed itself to two key actions to address the difference in male and female earnings in the civil service. First, the Government have committed all Departments and agencies to undertake an equal pay review by April 2003 and to prepare action plans to close any equal pay gaps. Second, it has asked Departments and agencies to set targets to improve representation of women at all levels, including the senior civil service.

Gender Pay Gap

Patsy Calton: To ask the Minister for Women what steps the Government have taken to decrease the pay differentials between men and women.

Patricia Hewitt: The pay gap between men and women currently stands at 18 per cent., down from 20 per cent. in 1997. The Government are taking a number of steps to reduce the pay gap. As well as the introduction of the national minimum wage and the provisions in the Employment Bill, the fair pay champions and castle awards, are helping to spread good practice on equal pay. All Government Departments are committed to carrying out a pay review by April 2003 and we are also taking forward recommendations from the Kingsmill report.

Gender Sharing

Harry Cohen: To ask the Minister for Women what assessment she has made of the rehousing criteria of housing authorities with respect to gender sharing and the effect this has upon young women and their mothers; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	Housing authorities must ensure that their allocation scheme is framed so as to give reasonable preference to certain categories of people. The categories are as set out in s167 (2) of the Housing Act 1996 and include people occupying overcrowded housing. Statutory overcrowding is defined in terms of the room standard and the space standard, which are set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985. The room standard is contravened when two persons of opposite sexes (over the age of 10), who are not living together as husband and wife, are required to sleep in the same room.

Female Councillors

Patsy Calton: To ask the Minister for Women what estimate she has made of the number of female councillors.

Barbara Roche: I have been asked to reply.
	Based on their census of councillors in England and Wales, the Improvement and Development Agency and the Employers' Organisation for Local Government estimate that, as at May 2001, there were approximately 5,900 female councillors in England and Wales.

Domestic Violence

Andrew Turner: To ask the Minister for Women what sources are employed by her Department for the statistics on domestic violence.

Patricia Hewitt: The main sources of statistics on domestic violence used to inform policy come from the British Crime Survey, police records and a range of national and international research.
	The Government are committed to furthering our understanding of the scope, dimension and impact of domestic violence. This is why my hon. Friend, the Deputy Minister for Women is launching national research into the economic costs of domestic violence.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Sellafield

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken by BNFL since October 1993 to remediate the leakage from the B241 storage tanks at Sellafield; and what her estimate is of the cost incurred to date to rectify the problem.

Brian Wilson: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Carmichael) on 13 May 2002, Official Report, column 423W, concerning work undertaken in respect of B241. This work forms part of BNFL's management of nuclear liabilities, details of which are set out in their annual report and accounts. I am told by BNFL that, to date, the company has spent in the region of £100 million in respect of B241.

Accident (Sellafield)

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at what time she was informed of the accident at the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant on 8 February; at what time and how she alerted the Irish Government to potential risk; what steps she took in the first 24 hours to deal with the accident; what her assessment is of the discharge involved; how many employees were exposed to danger; what the cause of the accident was; and what steps she has taken to prevent a repetition.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 18 March 2002
	BNFL reported an event during the recommissioning of defuelling plant at Calder Hall power station to my officials at 19.55 on Friday, 8 February. Calder Hall nuclear power station is situated on the Sellafield site but is not part of the nuclear reprocessing plant. My office received a short written brief on the circumstances at 15.15 on Monday, 11 February. I refer my hon. Friend to the Official Report, columns 356–57W for a statement on the event given on 6 March 2002. No discharges of any kind resulted and there was no danger at any time to any member of the work force, the public or to the environment.
	The circumstances rated well below the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) which defines categories of incidents and accidents, and they fell outside the criteria for passing information to the Irish Government on reportable incidents.
	Defuelling at Calder Hall has been suspended until BNFL reports the outcome of its internal investigation and completes any requirements for remedial action to the satisfaction of the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

Nuclear Reprocessing Plants

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if her Department was represented at the hearings on the report published by the European Parliament's STOA programme on possible toxic effects from the nuclear reprocessing plants at Sellafield and La Hague held in the European Parliament on 17 and 18 April.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 15 May 2002
	The Department was not represented at the hearing. However, the Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations gave a presentation explaining the systems for environmental and health and safety regulation of the UK civil nuclear industry.

BNFL

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in monitoring BNFL's performance as a liabilities manager.

Brian Wilson: My officials are working with their advisers and the company to develop performance measures to cover the range of BNFL's businesses, including liabilities management.

Nuclear Reactors

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department is doing to support the development of low cost, low waste nuclear reactors.

Brian Wilson: The UK is involved in international nuclear systems work including the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) project and the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). 10 countries participate in GIF, which was started by the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Korea, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, US and UK. Both initiatives promote the development of longer-term nuclear reactor designs that offer improved safety performance, proliferation resistance, waste minimalisation and competitively priced electricity.

MOX Fuel Shipments

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the faulty MOX fuel due to be returned from Japan to Sellafield will be categorised as radioactive waste; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 22 May 2002
	BNFL have reconfirmed that they foresee a range of possible future uses for the MOX fuel due to be returned to the UK from Japan and that they have no intention of declaring the fuel as waste.

Nuclear Power

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings she has had with environmental groups on nuclear power since 1 January 2001.

Brian Wilson: The Government attaches a high priority to establishing a good dialogue with our stakeholders. Ministers have had discussions with representatives of environmental groups in various fora on a range of issues including nuclear power. I hope that they will continue to contribute their views in particular in the context of the current energy policy consultation.

Nuclear Waste Management

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she intends to take on the Royal Society's recommendation that there should be an urgent safety review of nuclear waste management to take into account the possibility of extreme terrorist intervention.

Brian Wilson: The Government take the safe and secure management of radioactive waste very seriously and is considering the responses made to the consultation document "Managing Radioactive Waste Safely", published by the UK Government and the devolved Administrations on 12 September 2001.
	As I have previously explained to the House, all relevant safety and security precautions at nuclear sites, including those applying to the management of nuclear waste, have been reviewed in the light of the events of 11 September. They will continue to be kept under regular review in the future. It is not Government policy to disclose details of security measures taken at civil nuclear sites.

Electricity

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the UK's electricity in the last 12 months has come from (a) wind power, (b) wave power, (c) solar power, (d) coal-fired power stations, (e) gas-fired power stations and (f) nuclear power stations; what those percentages were in each of the previous 10 years; and what she estimates the likely percentage will be in each of the next 10 years.

Brian Wilson: Generation from onshore and offshore wind in 2000 (the last full year for which data is available) was 946 GWh (0.25 per cent. of total generation) having risen steadily from a low base of 9 GWh in 1990. Wave power output in 2000 was from shoreline devices only and was less than 1 MWh. Solar photovoltaics produced 2 GWh of electricity in 2000, which was less than 0.01 per cent. of total generation.
	Generation from coal accounted for 70 per cent. of the UK's electricity in 1990, falling to 29 per cent. in 1999, but rising to 32 per cent. in 2000. Gas fired stations accounted for less than 1 per cent. of UK generation in 1990, but rose to 15 per cent. by 1995 and 39 per cent. in 2000. Nuclear power stations accounted for 20 per cent. of UK generation in 1990 and peaked at 28 per cent. in 1998 before falling back to 26 per cent. in 1999 and 23 per cent. in 2000.
	Projections for the shares of different types of generating station over the next 20 years can be found in Annex D of Energy paper 68, published by DTI in November 2000. The paper can be viewed on the web at www2.dti.gov.uk/energy/energy_projections.htm
	Given that the Renewables Obligation is a market- based approach, the deployment levels for individual renewable technologies are for the industry rather than the Government, and we do not have forward estimates for those technologies individually. We would, however, expect a significant contribution to the 10 per cent. target for renewable energy from onshore and offshore wind energy. Wave and solar technology need further development for them to become commercially viable.

Renewable Energy

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money her Department spent on research and development (a) of wind power, (b) into sources of renewable energy and (c) of wave power in each year since 1995.

Brian Wilson: The Department of Trade and Industry has spent the following amounts on research and development through its Sustainable Energy Programme:
	
		£ million 
		
			  Wind power Wave power All sources of renewable energy (including wind and wave power) 
		
		
			 1995–96 4.2 0.1 19.2 
			 1996–97 3.0 0.1 14.4 
			 1997–98 1.7 0.0 13.0 
			 1998–99 1.4 0.2 11.3 
			 1999–2000 1.2 0.0 12.5 
			 2000–01 1.3 0.5 13.1 
			 2001–02 1.7 1.0 13.54 
		
	
	The DTI also supports research and development on sustainable energy technologies through the Research Councils and their work would be additional to the figures in the table.
	Provision for research and development through the Sustainable Energy Programme increases to £19 million for 2002–03, and through the Research Councils to £5.6 million. Additionally, the DTI has been assigned a further £5 million over three years for wave and tidal demonstration projects.
	Including R+D and capital grants, the Government have set up programmes totalling £260 million to bring forward new renewable energy technologies. In addition the Renewables Obligation will create a new market of around £1 billion per year by 2010.

Energy Consumption and Production

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of energy consumed in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland was provided by (i) nuclear power, (ii) coal, (iii) gas, (iv) oil and (v) renewables.

Brian Wilson: The percentages of energy consumed in the UK as a whole during 2000 by each fuel source are shown below. Separate figures for Scotland, England and Wales are not available. Figures for 2001 are currently being compiled and will be available at the end of July.
	
		
			   Percentage 
		
		
			 Nuclear 31.5 
			 Coal 35.1 
			 Gas 25.2 
			 Oil 8.0 
			 Renewables 0.2 
		
	
	Source:
	Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2001 (The Stationery Office)

Energy Costs

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent research her Department has undertaken into the comparative costs of alternative methods of electricity generation; and what reports have been published setting out the detailed assumptions on which the calculations have been made.

Brian Wilson: The costs of generating electricity are a commercial matter for generators.
	However, the Department takes an interest in estimates by broad type as may be seen, for example, in the February 2002 report of the Inter-departmental Analysts Group, "Long-Term Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the UK" (http://www2.dti.gov.uk/energy/ greenhousegas/greenhouse.pdf).

Wave Power Station (Outer Hebrides)

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much her Department plans to spend to support the proposed Outer Hebrides wave power station.

Brian Wilson: Up to £2.3 million.

Wave Power Station (Outer Hebrides)

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much energy the proposed Outer Hebrides wave power station is expected to produce; and which areas its energy will serve.

Brian Wilson: The target specification for each device is between 0.5 and 1.0 MW. The amount of energy actually produced will depend on the energy in the sea and the effectiveness of the wave power generators in converting that energy to electricity.
	It is intended to connect the generators to the electricity supply system in the Western Isles.

Employment Law

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures her Department has in place to monitor companies accused of ignoring Government guidelines regarding employment law; and what action she is taking to review the effectiveness of such procedures.

Alan Johnson: The Government do not monitor companies who are accused of ignoring Government guidelines or good practice regarding employment law. However, the Inland Revenue enforces the national minimum wage on behalf of the Department. This process is kept under regular review.
	Individuals who believe that their employment rights have been infringed may take their case to an employment tribunal. The Employment Tribunals Service publishes data on tribunal cases annually.

Office of Fair Trading

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will bring forward measures to allow companies which are complained about to the OFT to see the nature of the complaint made against them when the OFT decide not to pursue the case; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 8 May 2002
	The Government believe that encouraging complainants to come forward is vital to OFT's enforcement efforts and normally, where the OFT proposed to find an infringement, it would notify the parties to the agreement of the party engaged in the abusive conduct and they would then have a reasonable opportunity to inspect documents held by the OFT. However, where a case has not developed to the point where the OFT was proposing to find an infringement, there is no such provision.

Consignia

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Consignia has ended first collections in Epsom.

Stephen Timms: The universal postal service is enshrined in the Postal Services Act 2000. The obligation consists of a service provided at an affordable price determined by a public tariff uniform throughout the UK and includes the delivery each working day to the home or premises of every individual in the UK and a collection each working day from access points.
	Currently Postcomm requires Consignia plc, in the licence, to provide a universal postal service. Subject to Consignia's universal service obligations, the number and timing of deliveries and collections is an operational issue for Consignia. As this is therefore a matter that falls within the day-to-day responsibility of Consignia I have asked the Consignia chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Consignia Chief Executive

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has made to Consignia about the future of the current chief executive; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: It would not be appropriate for Government to speculate on the future of individual members of the Consignia board. Government have already indicated that the time is right for change in Consignia's top-level management to meet the challenge of the changing market. This is why we have appointed Allan Leighton. It is his decision initially on how the board should be strengthened and to make his recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Economic Development

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has made a response to the Scottish Executive's discussion paper on Scottish economic development in the light of its cohesion report.

Alan Johnson: If the hon. Member will provide me with further information on the Scottish Executive paper and report to which he refers, I will write to him with the information requested.

Maladministration

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many findings there have been of maladministration by ombudsmen with responsibility for agencies under the remit of her Department since 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: Information on the handling of complaints is set out in tabular form by the parliamentary ombudsman each year as an attachment to his annual report. For those complaints where there was evidence of maladministration that warranted a full investigation, the table sets out how many complaints were upheld as being fully or partially justified. Copies of the parliamentary ombudsman's annual reports for the period 1997–98 to 2000–01 inclusive can be viewed in the Libraries of the House, or on the parliamentary ombudsman's website at www.ombudsman.org.uk/publications.

Eastern England Development Agency

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether county councils are required to adopt planning targets laid down by the Eastern England Development Agency.

Alan Johnson: Regional development agencies do not have any power to set planning targets binding upon local authorities.

Regional Development Agencies

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what monitoring her Department has in place to ensure regional development agencies meet their statutory commitments to sustainability.

Alan Johnson: Each RDA is monitored on its performance against the national level Tier 2 targets and regional Tier 3 core and supplementary milestones, as set out in their individual corporate plans. The performance monitoring framework, which came into effect alongside the Single Programme on 1 April 2002, requires the RDAs to report to Government on the achievement of Tier 3 milestones on a quarterly basis and on contribution towards the achievement of Tier 2 targets annually. This includes targets relating to sustainability.

Regional Development Agencies

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what investment regional development agencies are making in (a) 2002, (b), 2003 and (c) 2004 to meet their environmental commitments.

Alan Johnson: The RDAs are required to carry out sustainability appraisals of their regional economic strategies. All of the agency's schemes and projects from 2002 onwards will be subject to a formal sustainable development assessment. This assessment covers environmental, social and economic impacts. The RDAs carry out a broad spectrum of activities in pursuit of their regional economic development role and many of their activities have an environmental component, for example in relation to land and property development, in supporting the environmental technologies sector, or in regeneration activities. The Government do not require the RDAs to provide a disaggregated figure for expenditure on environmental projects or initiatives or on the environmental aspects of sustainable development assessments.

Regional Development Agencies

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the (a) powers and (b) responsibilities are of regional development agencies with regard to (i) land use planning, (ii) transport issues and (iii) social inclusion.

Alan Johnson: The regional development agencies have no powers or responsibilities in relation to land use planning and transport. RDAs are however important stakeholders in the preparation of regional planning guidance, including regional transport strategy.
	Under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, the RDAs have five statutory purposes which are:
	(a) to further the economic development and the regeneration of its area,
	(b) to promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness in its area,
	(c) to promote employment in its area,
	(d) to enhance the development and application of skills relevant to employment in its area, and
	(e) to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom where it is relevant to its area to do so.
	All of these areas have the potential to include work on or with an impact on social inclusion.

Regional Development Agencies

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) guidelines are given to and (b) requirements are placed on regional development agencies, with regard to their allocation of Government money to their different areas of responsibility; and if she will place copies in the Library.

Alan Johnson: The regional development agencies have been given a large degree of flexibility to spend their resources subject to delivery of the remaining commitments under the Single Regeneration Budget and other inherited programmes. Their corporate plans and targets have been approved by Ministers. The Department will be issuing revised guidance to the agencies on corporate planning for 2003–06 during the summer and copies of that will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Oil and Gas Directorate

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times her Department's personnel in the Oil and Gas Directorate have travelled from London to Aberdeen to meet representatives of the oil and gas industry in each year since 1994; and how much the travel costs were for these meetings.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 14 May 2002
	The Department does not keep records in a form that will enable it to provide an answer to this question without incurring a disproportionate cost.

Oil and Gas Directorate

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of her Department's Oil and Gas Directorate posts have been relocated from Aberdeen to London since 1997, broken down by grade.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 14 May 2002
	There have been changes in organisation and responsibilities at various times between 1997 and the present. No Oil and Gas Directorate posts have been relocated from Aberdeen to London.

Oil and Gas Directorate

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the oil and gas fields in the UK Continental Shelf which are overseen from (a) the London office of the Oil and Gas Directorate and (b) the Aberdeen office of the Oil and Gas Directorate; and if she will list the transfer of responsibilities between Aberdeen and London for overseeing quadrants and blocks of the North sea that have taken place since 1994.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 14 May 2002
	It is not possible to quantify the transfer of responsibilities between London and Aberdeen since 1994, but broadly the Aberdeen team has continued to handle fields where operators have their production offices based in Aberdeen. Since 1994, with more companies relocating to Aberdeen from the south-east, there has been an incremental increase in the number of fields transferred to Aberdeen team.

Written Consultation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many consultation documents and consultative drafts of legislation have been issued by her Department since January 2001; and what proportion of these have observed Criterion 5 of the Code of Practice on Written Consultation.

Patricia Hewitt: Since the introduction of the Consultation Code on 1 January 2001, the Department has issued 72 consultation documents.
	Records relating to consultations' compliance with Criterion 5 of the Consultation Code are held not centrally but by the management unit responsible for the policy area concerned. I will write to the hon. Member with the requested information as soon as possible and place a copy in the Libraries of the House.

Consultation Exercises

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many consultation exercises the Department has launched in each year since 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: Since the introduction of the Consultation Code on 1 January 2001, consultation documents have been issued as follows:
	1 January to 31 December 2001: 65
	1 January 2002 to date: 7.
	Records relating to consultations issued before the introduction of the Consultation Code on 1 January 2001 are not held centrally.

Express Newspapers

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ask the Office of Fair Trading to publish, in accordance with current practice, the advice given to the Secretary of State on the acquisition of the Express Newspaper business by the Northern and Shell Group.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The OFT published its report of the advice given on this acquisition on its website on Monday 27 May. Advice given by this government departments was published on the same date.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent by her Department on paying pensions to retired employees of her Department in 2001–02; if she will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if she will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if she will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 20 May 2002
	For the answer to the first part of the question, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given him by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 22 May 2002, Official Report, columns 335–336W.
	The costs for pre-funded scheme administered by the Department of Trade and Industry for 2001–02 amount to £249,246.54.
	To estimate the costs for future years would entail disproportionate cost.

Automated Credit Transfer System

Howard Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact on the incomes of sub-postmasters of the switch to the payment of pensions and allowances through the automated credit transfer system.

Stephen Timms: The current value to Consignia of business from the Department of Work and Pensions is some £400 million a year. The migration of benefit payments to ACT is scheduled to begin in 2003. How that migration affects the revenue of subpostmasters will depend on a number of factors, not least how benefit recipients and other post office customers respond to change.
	Banking will be a central part of post offices' strategy to move forward. Universal banking services, together with Post Office Limited's plans for an expansion of network banking—the provision of counter services for ordinary current accounts—should lead to a substantial increase in the range and volume of banking at post offices, tapping into a very much larger customer base than benefit recipients alone. This should benefit subpostmasters both directly and through increased footfall, providing a major income stream offsetting the loss over time of the benefit book related revenue.
	Universal banking services are due to be introduced in 2003 when migration of benefit payments by ACT is scheduled to begin. When that happens and whatever account people chose to have their benefits paid into, the Government is committed to ensuring that those who wish to do so will be able to continue to get their benefits in cash at post offices, in full and without charge.

European Investment Bank

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much venture capital the European Investment Bank has made available to small businesses since the European Council's meeting at Lisbon; how much of this capital has been made available to British businesses; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: The European Investment Bank (EIB) does not have direct responsibility for venture capital. Since June 2000 the European Investment Fund (EIF) has carried out all of EIB venture capital activity as the EIB's specialist risk capital arm.
	During 2001 the EIF has invested EUR 800 million in 57 funds across Europe, primarily in the SME and start-up segments. As at the end of April 2002, EIF had a total of EUR 2115 million in venture capital operations signed.
	EIF has invested EUR 504 million in UK funds including those that primarily invest in the UK and those based in the UK that have a multi-country investment strategy. This includes the single largest operation the EIF has approved with its commitment to invest EUR 86 million (£53.5 million) in the Regional Venture Capital Fund programme. Overall more than 400 companies based in Britain are benefiting from support through EIF venture capital activities.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list items exported to Zimbabwe from the UK since June 2001 of military use, with particular reference to Hawk parts.

Nigel Griffiths: Between 1 June 2001 and 3 May 2002 no Standard Individual Export Licences or Open Individual Export Licences have been issued where the end user is Zimbabwe for items on the Military List. I refer the hon. Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend the Member for Livingston to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley East and Mexborough of 12 May 2000, Official Report, columns 493–4W.

Export Finance

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the net cost or profit was of the fixed rate export finance scheme in each of the last three years excluding (a) transactions that were supported by SDR-based interest rates, (b) aerospace business under the Large Aircraft Sector Understanding and (c) the cost of ECGD's hedging operations.

Patricia Hewitt: ECGD does not maintain its records in a way which enables it readily to report the net cost or profit of the FREF scheme on the basis you have asked.
	However I can advise you that for each of the last three years for which audited figures are available the cost of FREF on all supported loans, not including the cost of ECGD's hedging operations, amounted to the following:
	
		
			 Year £ million 
		
		
			 1998–99 56.4 
			 1999–2000 21.8 
			 2000–01 65.1

Export Credits

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which coal-powered plants British businesses have been involved in for which they have received ECGD support; and what was (a) the name and location of, (b) the company involved, (c) the nature of the involvement of the British company, (d) the capacity in MW, (e) the estimated annual carbon dioxide emissions and (f) the amount of financial assistance provided by the ECGD in each case.

Patricia Hewitt: The table lists the project name, country location, UK company involved, the nature of the involvement of that company, the capacity in MW, estimated carbon dioxide emissions and the value of the loan guaranteed by ECGD for each of the coal-fired power stations ECGD has supported since 1997.
	In addition, ECGD has provided Overseas Investment Insurance and other insurances for seven other coal-fired power-stations with a total capacity of 4,960 MW and annual CO 2 emissions of approximately 17.9 million tonnes per year. Details of these projects are not disclosed, since such cases are treated as commercial in confidence.
	It has been assumed that, upon completion, the plants listed below will operate for 60 per cent. of the time. CO 2 emissions have been calculated using the conversion factor of 0.687 tonnes of CO 2 per MW per hour. This is taken from The Greenhouse Gas Protocol website ("www.ghgprotocol.org") and is the 1999 average values for power plants in "Economies In Transition". These are the markets where ECGD most commonly provide guarantees.
	
		
			  Project  Country  Company  Involvement Capacity (MW) CO 2  (Tonnes per year) Loan Value £ million 
		
		
			 Shandong China Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd. Supply of boilers 3,000 10.8 million 213.5 
			 Bulawayo Zimbabwe Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd. Refurbishment 120 0.4 million 5.6 
			 Manjung Malaysia Alstom Power Ltd. Engineering and construction 2,100 7.6 million 522.3 
			 Alfin-Elbistan Turkey Corus UK Ltd. Steel structures 1,080 3.9 million 8.4 
		
	
	It should be noted that for most large power projects ECGD is only one of several finance providers. Scaling the carbon emissions by the proportion of finance guaranteed by ECGD would give a figure of less than 14 million tonnes per year of carbon that is directly attributable to ECGD's participation.

Export Credits

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial assistance was provided by the ECGD for British companies involved in the Sual power plant in the Philippines while it was being built; and how much of this money was (a) used by the companies involved and (b) returned to the ECGD.

Patricia Hewitt: ECGD does not provide financial assistance for companies. It provides guarantees and insurance. In 1995 ECGD provided a guarantee to the value of £432 million in support of GEC Alstom's contract relating to the construction of the Saul Power Project.

Export Credits

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which UK companies the Export Credits Guarantee Department (a) has and (b) is supporting regarding their involvement in the Sual plant since it began operations; and how much financial assistance each company has received.

Patricia Hewitt: ECGD does not provide financial assistance for companies. It provides guarantees and insurance. In 1995 ECGD provided a guarantee to the value of £432 million in support of GEC Alstom's contract relating to the construction of Sual Power Project.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government have taken in relation to breaches of OPCW financial regulations by other member states.

Nigel Griffiths: The UK takes every opportunity in the OPCW Executive Council and also in private contacts to draw to the attention of states parties the need to pay their assessments in full and on time.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 9 May 2002, Official Report, column 304W, what Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons regulation permits the delay of payments by the US, Germany and Japan beyond the first day of the financial period to which they relate.

Nigel Griffiths: Financial Regulation 5.4 requires payment of contributions to the OPCW budget within 30 days of receipt of the notice of assessment or the first day of the financial period (1 January), whichever is the later. It has, however, been the practice of some member states to make staged payments or their entire payment at different times of the year to fit in with budgetary cycles or for other reasons.
	40 of the 145 states parties, including the UK, paid their 2002 assessment by early January. At 15 May this had risen to 69 (including the USA). Germany has made a partial payment and is expected to pay in full by mid-year. Japan is expected to pay in full by mid-year.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many days of sick leave were taken by employees in her Department in the last year for which records are available; what proportion of those were due to work-related illness or injury; and what the cost was to the Department.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The average number of staff days lost per staff year through sickness absence in the DTI Group in 2000 (the most recent figure available) was 7.5. The figure is taken from the annual report on public sector sick absence commissioned by the Cabinet Office each year. The DTI Group, in addition to DTI HQ, consists of: ACAS, Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, National Weights and Measures Laboratory, Employment Tribunals Service, and The Radiocommunications Agency.
	The additional information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The DTI is committed to reducing the number of working days lost due to sickness absence including time lost due to work-related injuries and illness.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims for work-related illness were settled by her Department in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was in compensation.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 20 May 2002
	None in the financial year ended 31 March 2002.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees of her Department retired through work-related ill-health in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was to the Department.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Records are not maintained by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which enable ill-health retirements to be separately identified as work-related. For DTI the number of staff retired with a medical retirement certificate issued by the civil service pension scheme medical adviser for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 was 17. Benefits provided on medical retirement are as set out in the rules of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme and laid before Parliament, and provide for an immediate payment of an enhanced pension and lump sum. Ill-health retirement expenditure is met centrally from the Civil Superannuation Vote. For the year ending March 2002, provisional expenditure met from the Vote was £310 million in respect of all civil service cases for which an ill-health pension has been awarded. These cases number approximately 67,000 and include those who have formerly been ill-health retired but who have now reached and exceeded the normal retirement age.

North Sea States Conference

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the recent conference of the North Sea states in Norway; which members of her Department attended it; what discussions took place; and what conclusions were reached.

Michael Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 882W to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Llew Smith).

Air Pollutants Limits

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what EU air pollutants limits the UK has not transposed into national law.

Michael Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
	We are in the process of transposing the following Directives which either limit emissions of air pollutants or set limit values for concentrations of pollutants in ambient air: Directive 1999/13/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations, which sets limits on the use of certain solvents; Directive 2000/69/EC relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air; Directive 2000/76/EC on the incineration of waste, which sets limits for a range of emissions from incinerators to air; Directive 2001/80/EC on the limitations of emission of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants, which sets limits on the emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust; Directive 2001/81/EC on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants, which sets national emission ceilings for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and ammonia; and Directive 2002/3/EC relating to ozone in ambient air which sets target values and long-term objectives for ozone.

Funding (Luton, South)

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what moneys have been provided (a) directly and (b) via agencies for which the Department has responsibility to the Luton South constituency since 1997.

Alan Johnson: In the period January 1997 to May 2002, the Department offered £179,000 under the Regional Selective Assistance and Regional Enterprise Grant schemes to companies in Luton South.
	The Department has managed central Government funding to the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) since June 2001. However, DTI do not hold detailed information about EEDA's spend at constituency level.
	The Small Business Service, an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, funds Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber Business Enterprise but the Department does not hold detailed information about the SBS's spend at constituency level.

European Space Agency

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the UK has contributed to the European Space Agency budget in each of the last five years.

Patricia Hewitt: Figures for space expenditure contributed to the European Space Agency and co-ordinated through the British National Space Centre (BNSC) for each of the last five years, and for total civil space expenditure through BNSC, are as follows.
	
		£ million 
		
			  ESA expenditure Total BNSC expenditure 
		
		
			 1997–98 133.25 183.18 
			 1998–99 129.82 184.99 
			 1999–2000 107.08 172.62 
			 2000–01 98.00 177.38 
			 2001–02 97.13 169.18

Transparency Review

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she intends to publish the Transparency Review.

Patricia Hewitt: The Transparency Review was initiated in 1999 following the Comprehensive Spending Review. Its goal was to improve the accountability within the higher education sector for its use of public funds. The approach taken was to ensure that UK universities adopted a robust costing system to enable them to calculate the full economic costs of their main activities of teaching and research. An activity based costing methodology for this purpose was subsequently developed, and had been adopted by all UK HEIs by the end of 2001.
	No separate report on the outcome of the review has been compiled. However, the data is being used by HEIs to inform their management processes.

Foresight Round

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if industrial participation in the new Foresight Round will be greater than in the previous round.

Patricia Hewitt: Throughout its life, the Foresight programme has aimed to create new networks linking industry and academia to help the UK make best use of science and technology. Industrial participation remains central to the programme.
	Of the 13 Foresight panels that were managed from within the Office of Science and Technology over the period 1999–2002, eight were chaired by industrialists, and about 50 per cent. of panel members were from business. During this period, Foresight established a regional network of coordinators. On-going regional initiatives, led by RDAs and others, working with trade associations and businesses to look ahead and identify opportunities and threats, have now gained a great deal of momentum. We expect this level of industrial engagement in Foresight to continue, and be enhanced by the next phase of projects.
	Two pilot projects have just been announced, and a full programme will be agreed following wide consultation later this year. Each project will involve first hand input from industry, and will generate information and ideas, many of which will be important for businesses—to guide their current and future strategic thinking about commercial opportunities and threats.

Foresight Round

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the main themes for the new Foresight Round were chosen.

Patricia Hewitt: The next phase of the Foresight programme will be composed of a series of discrete projects, forming a rolling programme. A formal process is being instituted to identify suitable projects. The Government's chief scientific adviser (CSA) will be hosting a meeting of leading innovators from industry and academia in July 2002 to generate about a dozen ideas. This will be followed by a wide consultation with stakeholders from business, academia and Government before a formal programme of projects is agreed upon.
	In order to maintain the momentum of the programme, and to refine the process for taking forward work, two pilot topics have been initiated. These are flood and coastal defence and cognitive systems. These were chosen by the chief scientific adviser, and endorsed by Ministers, after a consultation involving the Foresight Steering Group, the Foresight panels that were in place from 1999–2002, and Government Departments.

Miners' Compensation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of full and final offers her Department aims to make to former miners seeking compensation in 2002 in the Cynon Valley.

Brian Wilson: With regard to the respiratory disease scheme, we are committed to making 50,000 full and final offers GB-wide by the end of 2002—of which 15,000 will be in Wales. We remain on track to meet both these commitments.
	On VWF, we remain on track to have medically assessed all validated claims by spring this year.
	The Department does not set constituency specific targets.

Miners' Compensation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what range of post-medical assessments procedure offers on vibration white finger and respiratory disease have been made in the Cynon valley.

Brian Wilson: Claims for both respiratory disease and vibration white finger are settled under the tariffs detailed in the Claims Handling Agreements agreed between the Department and the claimants' solicitors. Claims are assessed on an individual basis, there are no minimum or maximum levels. In Cynon valley the range of offers is broken down as follows:
	
		£ 
		
			  Minimum Maximum 
		
		
			 Respiratory disease Nil 157,941 
			 Vibration white finger Nil 27,410

Miners' Compensation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of miners' compensation claims registered in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) the Cynon valley have been settled with regard to (i) respiratory disease and (ii) vibration white finger.

Brian Wilson: Detailed below is a breakdown of the percentage of claims which have received full and final settlement, broken down by scheme and location.
	
		
			  GB-wide England Wales Cynon valley 
		
		
			 Respiratory disease 
			 Total number of claims 186,874 138,313 35,468 3,469 
			 Total claims settled 26,337 19,816 4,923 431 
			 Percentage of claims settled 14.1 14.3 13.9 12 
			 Vibration white finger 
			 Total number of claims 141,487 115,505 17,554 1,952 
			 Total claims settled 40,250 30,623 6,533 647 
			 Percentage of claims settled 28.4 26.5 37.2 33

Miners' Compensation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures have been taken in South Wales to speed up the compensation process for former miners.

Brian Wilson: The Department continues to work with the claimants' solicitors and other parties, through the Welsh Ministerial Monitoring Sub-Group, chaired by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, to ensure that any backlogs and delays are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Our claims handlers, IRISC, set up an office in Cardiff last year to speed up the handling of Welsh claims. Staff there work closely with the local solicitors.
	The system is being constantly refined and improved. I have set clear targets which are on course to be met, and which will see 15,000 full and final respiratory disease offers made by the end of year. In Wales alone we have already seen over £152 million paid out under the coal health schemes.

Miners' Compensation

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage and what number of live claimants have undergone the full medical assessment process in the Cynon valley.

Brian Wilson: In Cynon valley, 966 live respiratory disease claimants have been medical assessed, this forms 57 per cent. of the total number of live claimants.
	In relation to vibration white finger, 1,196 live claimants have been medical assessed, this forms 64 per cent. of the total number of live claimants in Cynon valley.

Coal Health Claims

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will express the full and final offers of compensation for respiratory disease and vibration white finger as a percentage of live and deceased receipts for each constituency on the damages paid, broken down by constituency, page of her Department's Coal Health Claims website.

Brian Wilson: The Department's claims handlers, IRISC, are unable to provide a breakdown of offers made by constituency in the time available. However, IRISC have been requested to provide a breakdown of offers made as part of the monthly constituency breakdown posted on the Department's Coal Health Claims website—www.dti.gov.uk/coalhealth. It is anticipated that these will be available in the next few months.

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many miners were employed in the coal industry in each year since 1990 in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales.

Brian Wilson: Separate figures for Scotland, England and Wales are not available prior to 1996. Figures listed below for the period 1990–95 are taken from British Coal Colliery books.
	
		
			   Total Scotland England Wales 
		
		
			 1990 49,000 — — — 
			 1991 38,000 — — — 
			 1992 28,000 — — — 
			 1993 10,000 — — — 
			 1994 7,000 — — — 
			 1995 12,000 — — — 
			 1996 14,776 1,923 11,146 1,707 
			 1997 17,300 2,370 13,505 1,425 
			 1998 17,182 2,476 13,171 1,535 
			 1999 14,215 2,103 10,898 1,214 
			 2000 11,228 1,895 8,364 969 
			 2001(52) 11,430 2,038 8,384 1,008 
		
	
	(52) Provisional
	Notes:
	1. Figures up to 1994 record underground wage earners on British Coal Colliery books.
	2. Figures from 1995 record the total number of persons employed during the year, and records deep mines only, including contractors.
	Source:
	1. Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 1981.
	2. The Coal Authority.

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much coal was imported into England in each year since 1997.

Brian Wilson: Total imports of coal into the UK since 1997, in millions of tonnes, were as follows:
	
		
			   Million tonnes 
		
		
			 1997 19.7 
			 1998 21.2 
			 1999 20.3 
			 2000 23.4 
			 2001(53) 35.5 
		
	
	(53) Provisional
	Source:
	Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2001 (The Stationery Office); Energy Trends, March 2002 (DTI publication).

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much anthracite has been produced in Wales in each year since 1997.

Brian Wilson: Figures which are provided by coal producers to the Coal Authority are restricted to preserve individual company confidentiality. Publicly available total production figures for Wales since 1987, in millions of tonnes, are shown below. The majority of coal produced in Wales is anthracite.
	
		
			   Million tonnes 
		
		
			 1997 3.2 
			 1998 2.5 
			 1999 2.2 
			 2000 2.1 
			 2001(54) 2.1 
		
	
	(54) Provisional
	Source:
	Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics (The Stationery Office)

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much deep-mined coal has been produced in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales in each year since 1997.

Brian Wilson: The information available on the amount of deep-mined coal produced in Scotland, England and Wales relates to financial years and, in millions of tonnes, is as follows:
	
		Output of deep-mined coal(55)
		
			  Scotland England Wales 
		
		
			 1996–97 1.4 29.8 0.9 
			 1997–98 1.9 25.4 0.8 
			 1998–99 1.6 21.4 0.7 
			 1999–2000 1.0 17.9 0.6 
			 2000–01 0.7 15.9 0.7 
			 2001–02 0.8 16.7 0.7 
		
	
	(55) Output is the tonnage declared by operators to the Coal Authority, including estimated tonnages.
	Source:
	Coal Authority data as published in the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2001 (The Stationery Office).

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were employed in opencast production in each year since 1997 in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) England.

Brian Wilson: The number of people employed in opencast coal production in Scotland, Wales and England since 1997 was as follows:
	
		
			   Scotland Wales England 
		
		
			 1997 1,169 632 1,918 
			 1998 1,600 694 2,265 
			 1999 1,301 550 1,882 
			 2000 1,252 433 1,300 
			 2001 1,267 456 1,068 
			 2002 1,688 433 1,211 
		
	
	Source:
	Coal Authority data as published in the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2001 (The Stationery Office).

Coal Industry

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much opencast coal has been produced in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales in each year since 1997.

Brian Wilson: The information available on the total amount of opencast coal produced in Scotland, England and Wales relates to financial years and was, in millions of tonnes, as follows:
	
		Output of opencast coal(56)
		
			   Scotland England Wales 
		
		
			 1996–97 5.4 8.4 2.3 
			 1997–98 6.3 8.1 1.8 
			 1998–99 6.4 7.0 1.5 
			 1999–2000 7.2 6.2 1.5 
			 2000–01 7.1 4.8 1.4 
			 2001–02 8.2 4.9 1.2 
		
	
	(56) Output is the tonnage declared by operators to the Coal Authority, including estimated tonnages.
	Source:
	Coal Authority data as published in the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2001 (The Stationery Office).

Meeting (Detroit)

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the G8 nations meeting in Detroit; which members of her Department attended; what discussions took place; and what conclusions were reached.

Patricia Hewitt: My hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Construction, represented the UK at the G8 meeting of energy ministers, Detroit, 3 May 2002. He was supported by the Director General for Energy and four other officials.
	Ministers highlighted the role of market forces, diversification of supplies, and energy efficiency in enhancing security of supply. Closer dialogue, and sharing of data and expertise were also needed, along with the physical protection of energy facilities and more flexible energy transport networks.
	Ministers also highlighted the importance of improved energy security to economic growth, environmental protection and therefore sustainable development. In the associated open event for industry and non-government organisations, Brian Wilson emphasised the role of clean, reliable energy sources in addressing world poverty, and supported the recommendations of the G8 Renewable Energy Task Force. G8 Ministers reaffirmed the importance of renewable sources, as recognised by the Genoa G8 Economic Summit. They committed to encourage the development and introduction of clean energy technologies, including renewables, as well as energy efficiency, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and elsewhere. They agreed also to strengthen co-operation on energy science and technology, particularly in the areas of emerging renewable sources, energy efficiency, and cleaner energy technologies.
	There were no formal conclusions but the co-Chairs, Spencer Abraham, US Energy Secretary and Herb Dhaliwal, Canadian minister for Natural Resources issued a statement, the text of which has today been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Arms Trade

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further measures she plans to take to tackle corruption in the arms trade involving UK individuals and companies; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: We view corruption in the arms trade as seriously, as corruption in any other field of commerce.
	The UK signed up to the OECD Convention On Combating Bribery Of Foreign Public Officials In International Business Transactions in December 1997. The UK will continue to work with OECD countries and others to extend and deepen international commitments designed to stamp out bribery.
	The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (2001), which came into effect on 14 February 2002, allows the UK authorities to prosecute UK citizens and companies for bribery even when the act takes place abroad, and made explicit that the legislation covered foreign public officials.

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many letters were received by each Minister in her Department in each month since June 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the volume of Members' correspondence received by departments. The Report for 2001 was on Friday 24 May 2002, Official Report, columns 674–76W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Libraries of the House.

Age Discrimination

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to comply with Government policy on age discrimination.

Patricia Hewitt: As an equal opportunities employer, my Department regularly monitors its personnel procedures, including by age, to identify any potential discrimination. The Department aims to be fair to everyone and ensure that no eligible job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age. For example internal job applicants are not required to give details of their age nor does age appear on staff appraisal reports.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Patricia Hewitt: The normal age of retirement for staff in my Department is either 60 or 65, depending on the grade held by the individual.
	All applications for employment in my Department are considered on their merits, against the criteria and competences required for particular opportunities. New entrants are expected to complete a minimum of between one and three years' service, before they reach their normal age of retirement, to complete a probationary period and to justify the expense of recruitment and initial training.

Launch Aid

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to review the future of Launch Aid.

Alan Johnson: The aerospace industry obtains a broad range of support from the Department of Trade and Industry, including Launch Investment and support for research and technology. The support mechanisms are constantly kept under review to ensure they deliver value for tax payers' money while underpinning the industry's efforts to raise productivity and competitiveness.
	The Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team (IGT), which was launched on 16 May 2002, will wish to consider the support available to the aerospace sector as part of their remit of looking at medium and long-term strategic issues affecting the aerospace sector. The Government and the industry partnership through the IGT is aimed at improving innovation and competitiveness in the aerospace industry.

General Agreement on Trade in Services

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement specifying Government commitments made under current negotiations for the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 23 May 2002
	There have been none. Any proposed commitments would first be tabled as conditional offers, in response to requests received. The Doha WTO Ministerial Declaration set June 2002 as the date for the submission of requests and March 2003 for the tabling of initial offers. We intend to consult widely between these dates.

Pipeline Capacity

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how much free capacity there is in each pipeline in St. Fergus;
	(2)  what the Government are doing to ensure that existing pipeline capacity is fully utilised;
	(3)  what steps the Government are taking to ensure that existing pipeline capacity is fully utilised;
	(4)  how much free capacity exists in each pipeline that goes to St. Fergus.

Brian Wilson: Determining the available capacity in gas pipelines is technically very complex and dependent on a number of factors including gas specification, entry location, existing gas flows and relative demand. Pipeline owners therefore undertake calculations on a case by case basis for each new prospective entrant and the results are commercially sensitive. On a broad level, certain pipelines currently have a reasonably constant level of spare capacity while others may have some spare capacity on a seasonal basis only. Additional annual spare capacity in the pipelines to St. Fergus is expected to begin to develop from about 2003–04.
	Through PILOT, the Government and industry are pursuing a programme of activities aimed at maximising production of offshore oil and gas and encouraging commercial discussions between UK pipeline owners and Norwegian licensees. These activities, measures in hand to revise the industry's Code of Practice on access to offshore infrastructure, and the development of new guidance on the regulation of third party access to upstream pipelines will help to bring forward new developments which may be expected to utilise existing offshore infrastructure, including the pipelines to St. Fergus.

North Sea Fiscal Regime

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions regarding the change in the North sea fiscal regime were conducted with PILOT prior to the announcement of the 2002 Budget.

Brian Wilson: Tax policy is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The reforms of the North sea fiscal regime announced in Budget 2002 were not discussed in advance in PILOT.

North Sea Fiscal Regime

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Government have assessed the likely effects of reduced industry cash flow due to North sea taxation changes on exploration and appraisal drilling in the North sea.

Brian Wilson: Last year, after investing nearly £4 billion, the North sea oil and gas industry generated cash flow of close to £10 billion after all taxes. The impact on industry cash flow of the changes to North sea taxation announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of Exchequer in Budget 2002 will depend, among other things such as the level of oil and gas prices, on the level of industry investment. The carefully designed package of measures combines two key elements—a 10 per cent. supplementary charge and a 100 per cent. investment allowance. The third element, abolition of North sea royalty, will of course increase rather than reduce industry cash flow.

Reserved Powers

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to transfer the administration of reserved powers and functions of its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies within its remit from her Department to the Scotland Office.

Alan Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 600W.

Scottish Executive

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many representations the Scottish Executive has made to her Department since May 1999, broken down by (a) Scottish Executive department, (b) subject and (c) date;
	(2)  how many times her office has made representations to the Scottish Executive since May 1999, broken down by (a) department approached, (b) subject and (c) date.

Alan Johnson: Information is not available in the form requested. Both formal and informal contacts take place regularly between Government Departments, including DTI, and departments of the Scottish Executive.

Light Source CASIM Project

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what location is being considered for the Fourth Generation Light Source CASIM project; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The proposal for a Fourth Generation Light Source forms one element of the CASIM project. Having passed a scientific peer review organised by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council on behalf of the Research Councils it will now proceed to the next stage of the Gateway Process, with the development of a business case. This will be followed by further discussions on how the project might be taken forward.

Credit Support

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent export credit support is conditional upon a percentage of sourcing of UK content; how that content is measured, assessed and monitored; and whether the percentage of UK content varies between categories and sectors of exports.

Patricia Hewitt: ECGD's main purpose is to facilitate the export of UK goods and services and therefore, the existence of UK content is a pre-requisite of ECGD cover. Each case is considered on its merits but ECGD will consider supporting whatever amount of UK content is contained in a contract.
	The UK exporter informs ECGD of the amount of UK content contained in the export contract and ECGD's guarantee documentation will reflect the level of support. Compliance may be monitored by the bank financing the transaction or by ECGD's own auditors.

Dimethyl Ether

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the potential use of dimethyl ether as a fuel in vehicles.

Brian Wilson: None. I am advised that dimethyl ether is still in the very early stages of development.

Dimethyl Ether

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research her Department has commissioned into the use of dimethyl ether.

Brian Wilson: None.

Bio-diesel

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many forecourts in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland sell bio-diesel.

Brian Wilson: To our knowledge there are no forecourts in the UK marketing bio-diesel or blended bio-diesel, although there is a growing number of commercial fleets using blended bio-diesel.

Better Public Buildings Initiative

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidelines her Department has issued to the regional development agencies on delivering the commitments set out in the Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Initiative.

Alan Johnson: DTI is working with all its property centres, including RDAs, to develop its response to the Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Initiative. An action plan will be published in due course.

Departmental Staff

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff in her Department and what proportion of the total workforce are aged (a) over 50 and (b) over 60.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The table shows the total number of staff in DTI HQ with the number of staff aged over 50 and over 60 shown as a number and as a percentage of the total. Staff aged 60 have been included in the lower age band.
	
		
			   51–60 61 and over Grand total 
		
		
			 Total 1,085 83 4,584 
			 Per cent. of total 23.67 1.81 —

Departmental Employment Opportunities

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures she has put in place to ensure employment opportunities in her own Department.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 24 May 2002
	All external recruitment into my Department is conducted under the principle of selection on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition.
	Awareness of opportunities for employment is achieved by advertising openly in the press and on the Department's dedicated recruitment website, as well as at careers events.

Minimum Wage

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employers in Scotland have failed to pay the national minimum wage to the 18 to 21 age group since its introduction.

Alan Johnson: The Inland Revenue enforce the minimum wage on behalf of the Department. They completed almost 1,700 investigations in Scotland between April 1999 and 31 March 2002, with non- compliance being discovered in 27 per cent. of cases. During this period wages arrears of £600,000 were identified in Scotland. There are no separate figures for the 18 to 21 age group.

Minimum Wage

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will abolish the lower rate of the minimum wage.

Alan Johnson: The national minimum wage rates are set by Government following recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission. The Commission recommended the establishment of a lower rate in their first report (June 1998). The Government were happy to accept that recommendation and we have no plans to abolish the separate rate for those aged 18 to 21 inclusive. We expect shortly to issue the Commission with new terms of reference and will carefully consider any recommendations that they subsequently submit to us.

Minimum Wage

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people aged (a) between 18 and 21 and (b) over 21 years are receiving the national minimum wage in Scotland, broken down by parliamentary constituency or nearest available area.

Alan Johnson: Estimates for beneficiaries of the national minimum wage by parliamentary constituency or nearest area are not available.
	Around 110,000 people in Scotland stood to benefit from the October 2001 increase in the national minimum wage.
	About one in 15 of the people who stood to benefit from the October 2001 increase in the national minimum wage in the UK as a whole were aged 18 to 21.

Minimum Wage

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people in Strathkelvin and Bearsden are receiving the minimum wage.

Alan Johnson: Estimates for beneficiaries of the National Minimum Wage by parliamentary constituency are not available.
	Around 110,000 people in Scotland stood to benefit from the October 2001 increase in the National Minimum Wage.

Liabilities Management Authority

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who has been appointed as a partner contractor for the Liabilities Management Unit; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: A partner contractor for the Liabilities Management Unit has yet to be appointed. My officials are in discussion with the preferred bidder over contract arrangements. I will make an announcement when a contract has been agreed.

Liabilities Management Authority

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  when she will publish the Bill to establish the Liabilities Management Authority; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  when she expects the Liabilities Management Authority to be operational.

Brian Wilson: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made clear in her statement to the House on 28 November 2001, the establishment of the Liabilities Management Authority will require primary legislation. A Bill will be introduced at the earliest opportunity.

Liabilities Management Authority

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff, by grade, are (a) planned for and (b) appointed to her Liabilities Management Unit; and what its budget will be (a) this year and (b) in the next two years.

Brian Wilson: The Liabilities Management Unit (LMU) comprises a mix of private and public sector employees, the majority of whom are secondees from BNFL and UKAEA. The Director is on loan from the private sector and is a Senior Civil Service equivalent. The remaining staff are mostly Band C or equivalent. There are currently 19 staff in the LMU. The make up of the team will be kept under review but it is not expected to increase significantly. The LMU's administrative budget for 2002–03 is around £1.5 million and similar amounts are likely to be needed in the following two years.

Small Businesses

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent measures she has taken to ensure that new regulations do not place an unnecessary burden on small business.

Nigel Griffiths: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) have to be produced for all new regulations, setting out clearly the costs and benefits with full recognition of small business concerns. The Department's policy is to "think small first": the Small Business Service has to be consulted on all RIAs to ensure that the impact on small firms is not disproportionate.

Subcontractors

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to amend the regulations governing labour-only subcontractors.

Brian Wilson: It is not clear precisely from the question which regulations governing labour-only subcontractors are being referred to.
	If my hon. Friend cares to write to me with more details, I will consider the points raised.

Start-up Companies

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to improve access to finance for start-up companies.

Nigel Griffiths: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Government recognises that the creation of new businesses is important for the health of the economy. The Small Business Service (SBS) is encouraging more people to start their own businesses. Through the network of Business Link operators, it operates a number of programmes aimed at helping small businesses, including start-up businesses, gain access to finance. The latest of this is the Regional Venture Capital Funds launched in January 2002.

Trade Subsidies

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Export Credits Guarantee Department's financial support for British industry complies with the Government's policy of world trade negotiation for the elimination of subsidies; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The basis on which ECGD provides support is consistent with multilateral trade agreements such as the OECD Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits. The arrangement, which has been adopted into EU law by means of a Council Decision, provides a framework regulating, inter alia, credit terms, risk premium, officially supported interest rates and tied aid. Such support is consistent with the Government's policy in WTO negotiations of seeking to eliminate trade distorting subsidies on a multilateral basis.

Trade Subsidies

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how she proposes to achieve the phasing out of subsidies by the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Patricia Hewitt: A study is currently being carried out by National Economic Research Associates (NERA) to assess the overall contribution that ECGD makes to the UK economy. This work will look at both the potential resource cost to the Government of the use of its balance sheet in providing export credit support and the economic benefits to the UK that accrue through the public provision of export credits to UK industry. The results of the NERA report will be used to develop the policies needed to maximize the benefits to the UK economy of ECGD's activities.

Fireworks

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to introduce legislation to restrict the sale of fireworks.

Brian Wilson: The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 introduced comprehensive controls on the types and sizes of fireworks which can be sold to the public. I have no plans to introduce further legislation.

Tyres (Disposal)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what incentives she has given to encourage (a) recycling and (b) cascade use of scrapped tyres.

Brian Wilson: Over the years the Government have provided financial support to a number of tyre recycling projects, across a broad spectrum of activity, at various stages of development. R & D has received support through schemes such as SMART, Partners in Innovation and those run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Companies have also received grants where they have chosen to establish themselves in particular areas of the country eligible for support under schemes such as regional selective assistance.
	The Government have been working with the tyre industry since 1995 through the Used Tyre Working Group, which includes the four major tyre associations and representatives from the DTI and the Environment Agency. This group produces an annual report which identifies the main destinations for scrapped tyres, and presents statistics which quantify tyre recovery rates. This information is made widely available.

Tyres (Disposal)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she has put in place to ensure that whole tyres will be properly disposed of once they are banned from landfill sites.

Brian Wilson: We are working closely with the industry and regulatory authorities such as the Environment Agency on tyre disposal and recovery issues. The proper disposal of tyres forms an important element of this work. The agency is committed to a long term programme, leading up to the landfill tyre ban, aimed at improving industry's awareness of its disposal responsibilities, backed up by effective enforcement action. We wholeheartedly endorse this programme and have provided additional funding to strengthen the agency's enforcement capabilities in this area.
	It will be necessary to ensure that the framework underpinning the tyre landfill ban promotes responsible tyre disposal and recovery. In April, DTI issued a discussion document on used tyre issues which included a possible statutory producer responsibility model. Comments on that discussion paper have been requested by 12 July 2002. We will consider next steps in light of the responses received.

Aerospace Industry

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals she has to assist aerospace businesses and their employees made redundant since 11 September 2001.

Alan Johnson: The DTI is supporting the aerospace industry by investing nearly £1 billion in product development by Rolls-Royce and Airbus, by providing funding for a long-term research effort in aerospace and by supporting competitiveness improvement activities throughout the supply chain.
	Substantial funds have been made available by the DFES for use by the jobcentre plus rapid response service job focused training to assist those made redundant to take up retraining opportunities and thus remain skilled and able to re-enter the labour market.

Aerospace Industry

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs have been lost in aerospace since 11 September 2001, broken down by constituency; and when she plans to visit those constituencies.

Alan Johnson: The latest estimate is that there have been approximately 14,000 direct job losses in the aerospace industry since 11 September 2001. A breakdown of this figure is given in the table by company and as far as possible by location but not by constituency as these data are not available.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has been in contact with the industry's representatives but is not planning any constituency visits dealing solely with job losses.
	
		UK aerospace job losses since 11 September 2002
		
			  Company   Job losses Anticipated job losses  Location 
		
		
			 Airbus UK 0 — (Early retirements made cuts unnecessary) 
			 Alenia Marconi Systems 98 — Cwmbran, Wales 
			 Augusta Westland formerly GKN Westland Helicopters 650 — Cowes, Isle of Wight 
			  70 — Yeovil 
			  350 — Weston-super-Mare 
			 BAE Systems 800 — Brough, Humberside 
			  993 — Woodford, Cheshire 
			  — 454 (At risk) 
			  — 220 (Voluntary redundancy) 
			 Centrax 250 — Newton Abbot, SW England 
			 DPS Composites Aerospace 50 — Pembroke Dock, Wales 
			 FLS Aerospace 620 — Manchester 
			 GE Aero Engines 170 — Natgarw, South Wales 
			 GE Caledonian 350 — Prestwick 
			 Hamble Aerostructures 95 — Southampton, SE England 
			 Rolls Royce 1,900 — Derby 
			  450 — Glasgow 
			  450 — Bristol 
			  1,000 — Other 
			  1,000 — Temporary staff 
			 Shorts/Bombardier 2,000 — Belfast, Northern Ireland 
			 Smiths 1,200 — Not Known 
			 Thales Defence Ltd. 470 — Bracknell 
			 Trefn 123 — Llay, Wales 
			 TRW Aeronautical Systems 370 — Not Known 
			 
			 Total losses 13,459 674

Aerospace Industry

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she will seek the co-operation of other European Ministers to establish a co-ordinated programme of assistance for areas suffering the aerospace downturn.

Alan Johnson: The DTI is co-operating with our European partners on a wide number of aerospace issues designed to ensure the long term prosperity of the industry. However, we consider that the areas affected by the recent downturn are best helped by continuing a sound macro-economic policy and by assisting those made redundant to re-skill themselves.

New Direct Bank

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 20 May 2002, Official Report, column 48W, on the new direct bank, for what reason she was unable to provide information on whether all benefit claimants will have access to the new direct bank; when she expects the new direct bank to be established; which (a) banks and (b) building societies have agreed to deliver the new direct bank services; and with which company a contract has been signed for the benefit payment card account.

Stephen Timms: My hon. Friend, the former Minister for Competitiveness and E-Commerce, was unable to provide information on "the new direct bank" because there was and is no such entity on which to provide information.
	Universal banking services consist of two elements, post office access to the banks' own basic bank accounts and a simple card account at Post Office for benefit and tax credit recipients. These are scheduled for delivery in advance of the migration of benefit payment to ACT which begins in April 2003.
	Barclays, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland/ Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National, HBOS, Alliance and Leicester, NAG, the Co-operative bank and the Nationwide building society have agreed to make their own basic bank accounts accessible at post offices and to support setting up a simple card account accessible only at post offices.
	Post Office Ltd. has contracted with EDS for the outsourced services for the card account.
	The Government are developing a detailed migration and marketing strategy for the transition to ACT. The emphasis of the ACT migration and marketing strategy will be to ensure that each customer has the best bank account for his or her circumstances. Conventional and basic bank accounts offer more services and do not have the limitations of the card account and so are likely to be the best option for the vast majority of people. There will, however, be no eligibility criteria or cap on card account numbers. And whatever type of account is used, we remain fully committed to meeting the Prime Minister's pledge that those who wish to do so will be able to continue to get their benefits in cash at post offices, in full and without charge.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on statistics relating to the trading of goods between member states is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: I have been asked to reply.
	The legal basis for the Committee on statistics relating to the trading of goods between member states is at Article 29 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3330/91. The mandate of the committee is to examine any question relating to the implementation of this regulation.
	The committee has met three times over the last 12 months.
	The UK is normally represented by two officials from HM Customs and Excise.
	Travel expenses for one official are reimbursed by the Commission. The usual cost of overnight accommodation and subsistence per day per official is 224 euro (£146.40).
	Items considered by the committee all relate to the implementation, interpretation and application of EC legislation dealing with the collection of intra EC trade statistics.
	Accountability and transparency to Parliament is ensured by the regular EU process. EU documents which fall within the Scrutiny Terms of Reference are deposited with Parliament along with an Explanatory Memorandum for examination by the Scrutiny Committees.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on statistics relating to the trading of goods with non-member countries is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: I have been asked to reply.
	The legal basis for the Committee on statistics relating to the trading of goods with non-member countries is at Article 20 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1172/95. The mandate of the committee is to examine any question relating to the implementation of this regulation.
	The committee has met three times over the last 12 months.
	The UK is normally represented by two officials from HM Customs and Excise.
	Travel expenses for one official are reimbursed by the Commission. The usual cost of overnight accommodation and subsistence per day per official is 224 euro (£146.40).
	Items considered by the committee all relate to the implementation, interpretation and application of EC legislation dealing with the collection of intra EC trade statistics.
	Accountability and transparency to Parliament is ensured by the regular EU process. EU documents which fall within the Scrutiny Terms of Reference are deposited with Parliament along with an Explanatory Memorandum for examination by the Scrutiny Committees.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Contact Committee on combating money laundering is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: I have been asked to reply.
	The role and responsibilities of the Contact Committee on Money Laundering are set out in Article 13 of Council Directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering (Official Journal L166, 28/06/1991 P. 0077–0083).
	The committee meets either at the request of the chair or of the delegation of a member state. Since May 2001, it has met three times. The UK is represented by officials from HM Treasury and the Home Office.
	The information regarding the annual cost of the committee's work to public funds can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
	At its most recent meeting, the committee considered implementation of the Second EU Money Laundering Directive, the anti-money laundering systems in accession candidate countries, protecting employees making Suspicious Transaction Reports and implementation of the Financial Action Task Force Special Recommendations on terrorist financing.
	The Contact Committee on Money Laundering is primarily intended to facilitate consultation between officials from member states and to allow for exchange of views and experiences on money laundering issues. The committee does not take any decisions.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Construction Plant and Equipment is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: It is my understanding that the hon. Member is referring to the Committee on the Adaptation to Technical Progress set up under Article 4 of Directive 79/113/EEC on the approximation of laws of the member states relating to the determination of the noise emission of construction plant and equipment. This committee has not met for several years because Directive 79/113/EEC was being superseded by Directive 2000/14/EC and was repealed on 3 January 2002 when Directive 2000/14/EC came fully into force. There is therefore no cost to public funds.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member's questions numbers 55219, 55220, and 55221 on 22 May 2002, Official Report, columns 343–44W.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of Directives on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in the Lifting and Mechanical Handling of Appliances is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: Directive 84/528/EEC, on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to common provisions for lifting and mechanical handling appliances, was repealed on 1 July 1999 by the Lifts Directive 95/16/EC. The work of the above committee has been incorporated into the Standing Committee for the Lifts Directive. I therefore refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 235W.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on concentrations between undertakings is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The Advisory Committee on concentrations between undertakings is the body through which the European Commission carries out its duty to consult the competent authorities of the member states before making certain decisions on cases being considered under the EC Merger Regulation (Regulation (EEC) 4064/89 as amended). These decisions concern declaring whether a concentration is compatible with the common market following a detailed 'Phase 2' investigation, and decisions on the imposition of fines and penalty payments. The Advisory Committee may also be convened to discuss policy issues relating to the implementation of the EC Merger regulation.
	The DTI, the OFT and the Competition Commission are all competent authorities for the purposes of the ECMR. In practice, however, the UK is almost always represented at the Advisory Committee by the OFT.
	The committee meets as required, dependant upon the number of cases reaching the relevant stages of the ECMR process. The committee has met 16 times in the last 12 months. Cases that are currently subject to a phase 2 investigation under the ECMR and, as such, may come before the Advisory Committee include 'Haniel/ Cementbouw/JV (CVK), Carnival Corporation/P&O Princess' and 'Promatech/Sulzer'.
	The opinions of the Advisory Committee on merger cases are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, as are final Commission decisions. In its response to the Commission's recent Green Paper on the Review of the ECMR, the UK suggested a number of ways in which the transparency of the Advisory Committee's work could be further enhanced.
	It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Harmonisation of National Legislation Relating to Recreational Craft is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: It is my understanding that the hon. Member is referring to the Standing Committee set up under Article 6 of the Directive 94/25/EC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states relating to recreational craft. The mandate of the committee is contained in Article 6 of that directive. This committee has not met for several years and there are no meetings planned in near future. There is therefore no cost to public funds.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee for the implementation of the general framework for Community activities in favour of consumers is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The Advisory Committee for the implementation of the general framework for Community activities in favour of consumers was established by Decision No. 283/1999/EC. It has the remit of advising the European Commission on the provision of financial support for the activities of European consumer organisations and for specific projects to promote the interests of consumers in member states.
	The committee currently considers the criteria for the two annual calls for the submission of bids for financial support and advises the European Commission on the selection of successful activities and projects.
	The committee has met twice over the last 12 months and is attended by one UK official. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
	"simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February, COM(2001)783Final.
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Co-ordinating Committee on Fusion Energy EC-USA is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: This committee, which meets once a year co-ordinates and supervises the EU-USA collaboration agreement on fusion energy research. There is one UK representative on the committee and the annual cost is low as this meeting is generally held at the same time and venue place as other fusion meetings, there are therefore no extra travel costs.
	The agreement covers joint research on European and US facilities, particularly exchanges of staff and loans of equipment. Europe's Joint European Torus (JET) fusion facilities and the UK's domestic experiment, the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST), at Culham, benefit from these. The records of these meetings are available on request from my Department.

Saltwood Post Office

Michael Howard: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the closure of Saltwood post office is consistent with her policy on rural post offices.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I understand from Post Office Ltd. that Saltwood post office is classified as an urban outlet. As a result of representations received by the company this has been reviewed recently and the classification reconfirmed.
	The Government's formal requirement placed on Consignia in November 2000 to maintain the rural network and to prevent avoidable closures remains in place.

Saltwood Post Office

Michael Howard: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the classification by Consignia of Saltwood post office as an urban post office is in accordance with her policy.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The Government's formal requirement placed on Consignia in November 2000 to maintain the rural network and to prevent avoidable closures remains in place. A rural post office is one defined as serving up to 10,000 inhabitants and it is the responsibility of Post Office Ltd. to classify outlets accordingly.

Post Office Closures

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when information relating to post office closures ceased to be made available on a constituency basis; and for what reason this was done.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 9 May 2002
	I am informed by Post Office Ltd. that information on the total number of post offices and a breakdown of urban and rural outlets for each Government office region is provided to Postcomm and Postwatch on a quarterly basis.
	Information has not been maintained on the basis of parliamentary constituencies as the company does not require these data for operational reasons. The latest information available remains a special exercise undertaken by the Post Office in 1999 to determine the numbers of post offices in each parliamentary constituency and how many of them derive more than 40 per cent. of their income from benefits work. That information is set out in the reply given to the then hon. Member for Birmingham on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 22W.
	However, I understand from Post Office Ltd. that it is now conducting additional work on a further exercise to identify the number of post offices in each parliamentary constituency as at the end of the financial year 2001–02.

Post Offices

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there were in each constituency in each year since 1995; and how many in each constituency in each year covered a population of 10,000 or less.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 23 May 2002
	I am advised by Post Office Ltd. that information on post office numbers has not been maintained on the basis of parliamentary constituencies as the company does not require these data for operational reasons. However, I understand from the company that it is now conducting additional work on an exercise to identify the number of post offices in each parliamentary constituency as at the end of the financial year 2001–02.
	The latest constituency-based information available remains a special exercise undertaken by the Post Office in 1999 to determine the numbers of post offices in each parliamentary constituency and how many of them derive more than 40 per cent. of their income from benefits work. That information is set out in the reply given to the then hon. Member for Birmingham on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 22W.

Postcodes

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received regarding requests from communities to change their postcode; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: This is a matter that falls within the day to day responsibility of Consignia and I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to my hon. Friend.

Disclosure of Interests

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what rules apply to the disclosure of interests on the part of those serving on public bodies which are responsible to her Department.

Patricia Hewitt: All advisory and executive non- departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are required to adopt a board members' code, based on guidance produced by the Cabinet Office, and this includes maintaining a register of interests. The definition of interests is for individual Departments to decide since they are best placed to judge what might be thought to influence members of their NDPBs.
	The table which lists the NDPBs sponsored by this Department and in each case indicates where the relevant Code of Practice is available has been placed in the Library.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Golden Jubilee

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with Southwark council on flying the Union Flag to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I have had no discussions with Southwark council about the flying of the Union Flag to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 14 May 2002, Official Report, column 589W, to the hon. Member for North Thanet (Mr. Gale), which outlines flag arrangement including those for the Golden Jubilee weekend.

Playing Fields

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will provide a breakdown by site owner type/category of planning consultations received by Sport England in relation to change of use on playing fields received in the years (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and how many had planning permission granted.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The breakdown by site owner type/category of planning applications affecting playing fields received by Sport England in their capacity as statutory consultee are listed in the table. Data for the year 2001–02, and that relating to whether planning permission was granted to applications from particular types of site ownership or categories are not available.
	
		
			 Site owner type/category 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Private sports club 117 148 
			 Local authority 112 180 
			 Local education authority/ community school 294 404 
			 Foundation school 20 24 
			 Higher education/college 36 43 
			 Health authority 3 4 
			 Ministry of Defence 3 3 
			 Other 67 90 
			 Not known 5 6

Playing Fields

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many consultations were received by Sport England in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 in relation to change of use of playing fields; on how many in each year Sport England raised no objections; and how many had planning permission granted.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Sport England in their role as statutory consultee for planning applications affecting playing fields received 657 such applications for the year 1999–2000, and of those, 625 applications fell under their remit as a statutory consultee. Of this number, Sport England raised no objection to 492 applications, all of which contained proposals which had no detrimental effect on the stock or quality of playing pitches on playing fields, or to sport as a whole. 431 of these applications received planning permission.
	Sport England in their role as statutory consultee for planning applications affecting playing fields received 902 such applications for the year 2001–02, and of those, 875 applications fell under their remit as a statutory consultee. Of this number, Sport England raised no objection to 743 applications, all of which contained proposals which had no detrimental effect on the stock or quality of playing pitches on playing fields, or to sport as a whole. 611 of these applications received planning permission. Figures for the year 2001–02 are not available.
	Planning applications affecting playing fields can often involve a change of use that benefits sport rather than resulting in the outright sale of playing fields or their development. It should also be noted that where planning permission is granted this does not necessarily mean that the proposed development or change of use went ahead. Data are not collected centrally on whether planning applications are actually implemented.

National Stadium

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what payment was made to CITEX/ Sport Concepts for their report to Sport England on athletics' provision at the English National Stadium, Wembley.

Tessa Jowell: I understand that Sport England have paid £50,723 plus VAT to CITEX/Sports Concepts for the athletics report.

Internet Services

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria she uses to ensure fair competition in the provision of internet services by broadcasters.

Kim Howells: The provision of internet services by UK undertakings, including those of UK broadcasters, are subject to competition legislation.

Broadcasters (Fair Trading)

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria she uses to ensure the observance of the fair trading commitment by broadcasters.

Kim Howells: The provision of broadcasting services potentially falls within the ambit of the Competition Act 1998 and Fair Trading Acts. Responsibility for considering complaints, and for enforcing the law if necessary, rests with the Office of Fair Trading. In addition, the BBC's commercial activities are subject to its own fair trading commitment, which reflects and in some respects goes beyond the statutory requirements. This is set out in the BBC's published commercial policy guidelines and is monitored by the Board of Governors. An independent review by Professor Richard Whish, published in May 2001, concluded that the fair trading commitment and the guidelines are appropriate to ensure that the BBC does not distort competition in commercial markets and recommended no changes.

Delegations (Scottish Representation)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the United Kingdom's delegation to the Culture/Audiovisual European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 23 May; and what information is being provided by her Department to assist pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Kim Howells: holding answer 21 May 2002
	No Minister from the Scottish Executive was present at the EU Council of Ministers meeting on cultural and audiovisual matters on 23 May 2002. Ministers from the devolved Administrations have attended Council meetings in the past and are welcome to do so in future. My officials have consulted their counterparts in the devolved Administrations on a number of agenda items and have provided copies of relevant papers.

Tourism

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has made to the Department of Trade and Industry about the support regional development agencies should give to capital infrastructure projects which benefit tourism.

Kim Howells: The announcement on 13 May about the structural reform of English tourism represents a radical change and made clear that regional development agencies will in future play a stronger part in the strategic leadership of tourism. We have been in close discussion with the Department of Trade and Industry about these proposals.
	The Government will continue to encourage RDAs to take account of the huge importance of tourism to their regions, both its direct and indirect impacts, when they take decisions about allocating the funds over which they have direct and indirect control.

Tourism

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 10 May 2002, Official Report, column 385W, what her latest assessment is of the wage costs of the tourism industry.

Kim Howells: It is not possible to estimate the current wage costs of the tourism industry since the sector is formed of parts of a diverse set of industries whose businesses serve both tourists and non-tourists.
	The Office for National Statistics publishes estimates of the cost of compensation for employees by standard industry sub-sectors (eg hotels and restaurants) in its publication UK Input-Output Analyses 2001 edition, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

Tourism

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to strengthen the role of local authorities in tourism development.

Kim Howells: Local authorities spend over £90 million a year promoting and developing tourism in their areas and are key partners in ensuring the success of the Government's modernisation and reform agenda.
	The announcement on 13 May about the structural reform of English tourism represents a radical change and I am involving local government representatives closely in preparing to implement that change.

Tourism

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what bilateral discussions she has had with Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the importance of improving transport links between London and the regions of England to help make London the gateway to the regions for tourism.

Kim Howells: Although my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had a meeting specifically with the then Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions dedicated to this issue prior to 29 May 2002, we covered tourism transport issues on 5 March 2002 at the third annual tourism summit of pan-Government Ministers and key players in the tourism industry.

Tourism

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to assist organisations investing in tourism infrastructure projects to secure funding from the European Union.

Kim Howells: My Department will continue to champion the importance of tourism for regeneration so that the tourism industry continues to benefit from EU funding. In 1999, the British Tourist Authority published guidance on support for tourism in the current structural funding period 'Making the Most of Tourism's Contribution to Regional Economic Development'. The English Tourism Council gives updated information on EU funding opportunities through its profunding web- site www. fundinginformation.org/tourism. Government offices have been supportive of projects meeting the objectives of regional development strategies.

Regional Airports

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport about the expansion of regional airports.

Kim Howells: I work closely with my colleagues and have been involved in the development of this area of transport policy as well as others.

Digital Broadcasting

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure choice of access for digital broadcasting services in Scotland.

Kim Howells: The draft Communications Bill and associated documents (Cm 5508, published on 7 May) set out a proposed framework for the regulation of communications, which is intended to broaden choice of and access to modern communications technologies, and to make markets work better, in Scotland a well as in the rest of the United Kingdom.

Digital Broadcasting

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what key tasks she has set for her Department for improving access to digital television; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Digital Television Action Plan, posted on www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk and agreed by stakeholders, sets out a framework of actions to be taken by Government and industry, in partnership, to enable the take-up of digital television and achieve the tests of accessibility, availability and affordability, first announced in September 1999.

Digital Broadcasting

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many new digital television installations there were in 2001; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We estimate that 2,378,962 new digital television installations were carried out in 2001. This estimate is based on information on subscriber figures from platform operators.
	
		
			  31 December 2000 31 December 2001 
		
		
			 Sky Digital 4,669,000 5,716,000 
			 ITV Digital 1,000,000 1,263,000 
			 Digital Cable 908,364 1,977,326 
			 NTL 530,700 1,253,500 
			 Telewest 377,664 723,826

Architecture

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution made by the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment to (a) reducing school truancy, (b) reducing traffic congestion and (c) improving patient dignity.

Kim Howells: The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) helps promote better design for the cultural, social and economic benefits this brings to society. CABE is working closely with the Department for Education and Skills on the design of new education buildings; achieving a high-quality learning environment is key to reducing truancy rates. CABE is working with central and local government and with developers to promote the provision of public transport in all new developments, and thereby reduce traffic congestion. CABE is also working with NHS Estates and individual NHS trusts to ensure that health care services are delivered in well-designed environments.

Architecture

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of projects (a) approved and (b) rejected by the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment involved the external use of vernacular materials.

Kim Howells: Of the projects that CABE sees, most are likely to contain a degree of vernacular or locally available materials. Using local materials supports CABE's aim to promote a sustainable use of resources and is a contributory factor in CABE's assessment of any building project.

Funding (Luton, South)

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what moneys have been provided (a) directly and (b) via agencies for which her Department has responsibility to the Luton, South constituency since 1997.

Kim Howells: My Department and our sponsored bodies are responsible for supporting an enormous range of cultural and leisure activity and funding is available from a variety of sources.
	(a) Moneys provided direct from the Department
	Luton borough council have received the following awards from the DCMS Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1997–98 264,248 
			 1998–99 120,000 
			  
			 Total 384,248 
		
	
	(b) Moneys provided via sponsored bodies
	According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the National Lottery awards database, there have been 85 National Lottery awards to Luton, South totalling £5,238,596 to 23 May 2002.
	30 Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Luton, South and between them they have received grants totalling £49,987.
	2 of three Luton Space for Sport and Arts (SSA) projects are in Luton, South:
	(i) Farley Junior, grant of £250,000 towards a £260,000 scheme to construct a floodlight two court multi-use games area.
	(ii) Foxdell Junior, grant of £500,000 towards a £1.1 million scheme to construct a multi-purpose hall and classroom for art.
	English Heritage have awarded two grants to the Luton, South constituency since 1997:
	(i) 1999–2000: Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme grant for Plaiter's Lea and High Town—£100,000.
	(ii) 2000–01: Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme grant for Plaiter's Lea and High Town—£100,000.

National Lottery

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the administrative costs as a percentage of National Lottery income for each of the National Lottery distributing bodies in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The following table shows estimated administration costs for each of the lottery distributing bodies for the year ended 31 March 2002 as a percentage of their total income from the National Lottery Distribution Fund. The figures have not been audited and may be subject to material adjustments prior to inclusion in the respective lottery distributor's final accounts.
	
		
			 Distributing body Total income 2001–02 (£) Estimated administration costs (£) Percentage of total income 
		
		
			 New Opportunities Fund 479,770,400 27,000,000 5.62 
			 Community Fund 296,124,518 24,000,000 8.10 
			 Sports Council (England) 228,025,901 21,750,000 9.53 
			 Arts Council of England 207,764,720 20,500,000 9.86 
			 Heritage Lottery Fund 320,101,846 17,824,000 5.56 
			 Millennium Commission 123,760,548 10,800,000 8.72 
			 Film Council(57) 36,272,469 5,600,000 15.43 
			 Scottish Arts Council 23,451,472 2,487,605 10.60 
			 Scottish Sports Council 25,739,278 1,805,202 7.01 
			 Arts Council of Wales 15,153,184 1,476,000 9.74 
			 UK Sports Council 25,614,740 1,406,073 5.48 
			 Sports Council for Wales 14,171,443 928,000 6.54 
			 Sports Council for Northern Ireland 8,004,237 558,346 6.97 
			 Arts Council of Northern Ireland 9,208,707 512,530 5.56 
			 Scottish Screen 3,368,609 236,000 7.00 
		
	
	(57) The Film Council recouped some £4.7 million in 2001–02 giving it a total lottery income of some £41 million, meaning that administration costs were 13.66 per cent. of total income.

Land Sales

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the land that her Department is (a) offering for sale and (b) plans to offer in the next 12 months, giving its (i) location and (ii) size.

Kim Howells: The Department for Culture, Median and Sport has no land available for sale at present nor in the next 12 months.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of ordinary written questions for her Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Kim Howells: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Percentage 
		
			 Month tabled Ordinary written questions answered within a week of being tabled Named day questions answered on the day specified 
		
		
			 June 2001 72 23 
			 July 2001 44 48 
			 August 2001 n/a n/a 
			 September 2001 0 50 
			 October 2001 56 46 
			 November 2001 78 59 
			 December 2001 39 35 
			 January 2002 53 43 
			 February 2002 43 41 
			 March 2002 40 55 
			 April 2002 65 36

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many letters were received by each Minister in her Department in each month since June 1997.

Kim Howells: This information cannot be provided in the requested format without incurring disproportionate cost. However, the total number of letters received by DCMS Ministers in each month since June 1991 is:
	
		
			 Month Letters received 
		
		
			 June 1997 3,232 
			 July 1997 2,227 
			 August 1997 2,757 
			 September 1997 2,592 
			 October 1997 2,780 
			 November 1997 3,396 
			 December 1997 2,843 
			 January 1998 3,265 
			 February 1998 2,957 
			 March 1998 3,097 
			 April 1998 2,955 
			 May 1998 1,884 
			 June 1998 3,040 
			 July 1998 2,696 
			 August 1998 1,678 
			 September 1998 2,078 
			 October 1998 2,751 
			 November 1998 1,850 
			 December 1998 1,539 
			 January 1999 1,840 
			 February 1999 2,562 
			 March 1999 2,742 
			 April 1999 2,039 
			 May 1999 1,567 
			 June 1999 2,107 
			 July 1999 2,228 
			 August 1999 2,023 
			 September 1999 1,808 
			 October 1999 2,031 
			 November 1999 2,320 
			 December 1999 1,639 
			 January 2000 1,575 
			 February 2000 2,271 
			 March 2000 2,004 
			 April 2000 1,306 
			 May 2000 1,584 
			 June 2000 1,590 
			 July 2000 1,481 
			 August 2000 1,417 
			 September 2000 1,366 
			 October 2000 1,742 
			 November 2000 1,549 
			 December 2000 977 
			 January 2001 1,749 
			 February 2001 1,624 
			 March 2001 2,072 
			 April 2001 2,031 
			 May 2001 1,850 
			 June 2001 1,246 
			 July 2001 1,551 
			 August 2001 1,543 
			 September 2001 1,604 
			 October 2001 1,946 
			 November 2001 1,848 
			 December 2001 1,284 
			 January 2002 1,731 
			 February 2002 1,459 
			 March 2002 1,313 
			 April 2002 1,426

Gambling

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research her Department undertook into the risk of an increase in problem gambling before it published "A Safe Bet for Success".

Richard Caborn: The available research evidence was set out in the report of the Gambling Review Body (Cm 5256).

Gambling

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many meetings her Department held with groups working with problem gamblers before the publication of "A Safe Bet for Success".

Richard Caborn: We held one meeting on problem gambling issues which was attended by 11 people who either represented bodies working with or researching problem gamblers or were themselves expert practitioners. We held a further meeting with GamCare.

Gambling

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation her Department had with groups working with problem gamblers before the publication of "A Safe Bet for Success".

Richard Caborn: We received and considered submissions on the report of the Gambling Review Body from 12 bodies working with or expressing concerns on behalf of problem gamblers, including GamCare, the Centre for Research into the social impact of gambling, the Methodist church and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Gambling

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures her Department have taken to ensure that gambling deregulation does not lead to an increase in (a) problem gambling and (b) organised criminal activity.

Richard Caborn: I refer my hon. Friend to the measures set out in paragraphs 10.22 and 10.23–10.27 of "A Safe Bet for Success" (Cm 5397), which deal respectively with crime and problem gambling. The proposed Gambling Commission will have greater powers than are currently available to the Gaming Board to vet the suitability of applicants for personal and operating licences; and it will also regulate bookmaking and other sectors of gambling which are currently outside the board's remit. We have emphasised to the gambling industry the importance of supporting the new charitable trust which will fund work to prevent and treat problem gambling; and the trust is this week inviting tenders for work to develop effective strategies for the delivery of research, education and support services.

Gambling

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Barnsley West and Penistone, of 13 May 2002, Official Report, column 411W, on gaming machines, when she will introduce legislation to implement the Government's decisions on the recommendations in the Budd report.

Richard Caborn: We shall bring forward a Bill when parliamentary time allows. So far as decisions which do not require primary legislation are concerned, I refer the honourable Member to the reply I gave to the honourable Member for South Suffolk on 10 April 2002 [Official Report, Col 326–327W].

Reports and Documents

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her Department's policy is on releasing reports and documents that (a) it and (b) its agencies, have commissioned; how long after receiving reports and documents that her Department has commissioned her Department publishes them; what her Department's policy is on announcing the publication of reports and documents it commissions; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: My Department will consider the general publication of commissioned reports and documents where there is a recognised interest in the subject and where there are no bars to a wider publication on grounds of confidentiality or sensitivity.
	In general my Department aims to publish material we commission and all such publications are available through the Department's website, www.culture.gov.uk and, where appropriate, HMSO.
	The time between receipt of a document and its wider publication will depend upon the nature of the document but the intention would be to avoid any unnecessary delays.
	Documents may be accompanied by a press release or will be flagged up on the Department's website. The website is currently being redeveloped and the new site will make publications even easier to find.
	This is an area which my Department is currently reviewing as part of our commitment to Freedom of Information and a statement of our policy will accompany the issue of my Department's publication scheme in the autumn.

Capital Projects

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many PFI capital projects fall under the responsibility of her Department; what the capital value and nature of each project is; and what stage they are at in the PFI procurement process.

Kim Howells: My Department has not itself entered into any PFI or PPP contracts. The Royal Parks Agency, which is an executive agency, has entered into one PFI contracts, Pembroke Lodge, Richmond, relating to the restoration of building and operation of catering facilities. Its capital value is £1 million. This contract has been operational since 1997. The British Library, which is an executive NDPB, has entered into one PFI contract, to provide a full catering and events facility. Its capital value is £0.9 million, and has been operational since 1997.

Capital Projects

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many non-PFI capital projects fall under the responsibility of her Department and related NDPBs; and what the capital value and nature is of each project.

Kim Howells: The Department undertakes directly only a small number of low value non-PFI capital projects each year to improve the working environment for staff, to enable it to meet its electronic service delivery commitments, and to improve communications with its NDPBs.
	The Royal Parks Agency has one non-PFI capital project planned in the current year involving the replacement of catering facilities at St. James' park. The capital value is £3.2 million.
	The Department provides support to its NDPBs through grant-in-aid finance capital expenditure. In addition to this source of funding NDPBs supplement their funding with donations and sponsorship from individuals and corporate bodies, funding from the National Lottery and other sources. The Department does not hold centrally information on all the non-PFI capital projects undertaken by its NDPBs. However, the Departmental Investment Strategy (DIS), published and printed separately as an outcome of the 2000 spending review, describes the Department's strategic plans for both new investment and for the use of existing assets. The DIS can be viewed on the website: www.culture.gov.uk.

Certified Timber

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the refurbishment projects that (a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber.

Kim Howells: There are no plans for any refurbishments for at least the next 12 months. In all procurement of timber and timber products the Department will, where possible, specify timber supplies which are FSC certified or WWF 95+ approved.

Religious Broadcasters

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she informed the BBC of the Government's proposal to lift the ban on ownership of a digital audio broadcasting programme licence by religious broadcasters while applying such a ban on ownership of a multiplex licence.

Kim Howells: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The BBC would have been informed of the Government's intentions for religious broadcasting at the same time as everyone else, with the publication of the White Paper "A New Future for Communications" in December 1999. I should clarify that our proposals published recently with the draft Communications Bill propose the lifting of the restrictions on religious bodies owning local digital broadcast licences, and not national digital broadcast licences.

International Sports Federations

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the international sports federations and organisations on which United Kingdom nationals hold senior positions, stating for each (a) the name of the United Kingdom national, (b) the date on which the position was attained, (c) the length of the term of office and (d) the nature of the office.

Richard Caborn: Part of UK Sport's responsibilities is to encourage and maintain UK influence within international sports federations. To support this objective they operate an International Representatives Grant Aid Programme. This programme offers financial support to elected British postholders and in addition supports governing body delegates attending formal meetings to international sports bodies. I am arranging for copies of the list of UK nationals supported by UK Sport who hold senior positions in international sports organisations to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The definition used for 'senior position' is Chair or President, Vice-Chair or Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer.

International Sports Federations

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress made towards the method used to determine the Government's target number of United Kingdom nationals holding senior positions on international sports federations and organisations.

Richard Caborn: It is one of UK Sport's responsibilities to maintain and encourage UK influence within international sports administration. My Department has agreed with UK Sport that it is not appropriate to set a numerical target for the number of UK nationals holding senior positions. Instead, performance is measured based on a qualitative assessment of the work of selected UK nationals holding senior positions in international sports federations and organisations from the annual reports these postholders are required to submit to UK Sport. The definition used for 'senior position' is Chair or President, Vice-Chair or Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Kim Howells: Neither my Department nor its agency—the Royal Parks Agency—has a policy of refusing applications for employment by persons of any age up to its current normal age of retirement of 60.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Fire Service

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees were at the Fire Service College in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		Fire Service College staff, 2001, 2002
		
			  1 April 2001 1 April 2002 
		
		
			 UK Fire Service Secondees 37 37 
			 Other Full-Time Employees 181 179 
			 Part-Time Employees 19 19

Fire Service

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people applied to the Fire Service in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) ethnic origin.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of applicants to fire services are set out in the tables, broken down by ethnicity and gender. Information on the age of applicants is not held centrally.
	
		
			  Total number of applicants Men Women White Black Asian Other 
		
		
			 Wholetime
			 From 1 April 1997–31 March 1998 42,573 40,657 1,916 41,065 699 274 535 
			 From 1 April 1998–31 March 1999 34,400 32,731 1,669 33,339 525 255 281 
			 From 1 April 1999–31 March 2000 30,206 28,345 1,861 29,107 518 335 246 
			 From 1 April 2000–31 March 2001(58) 29,749 27,505 2,244 28,052 750 309 400 
			 
			 Retained
			 From 1 April 1997–31 March 1998(59) 4,013 3,759 254 3,963 13 5 32 
			 From 1 April 1998–31 March 1999 3,067 2,899 168 2,999 5 9 54 
			 From 1 April 1999–31 March 2000 3,658 3,373 285 3,598 27 14 19 
			 From 1 April 2000–31 March 2001(60) 3,844 3,498 346 3,783 16 16 14 
		
	
	(58) 238 applicants were of undetermined ethnic origin. Figures not included in the table. Data were not available for three fire services.
	(59) One fire service was unable to monitor the ethnic origin of applications made. Figures have not been included.
	(60) Data were not available for one fire service. 15 applicants were of undetermined ethnic origin. Figures not included in the table.
	Notes:
	The 1997–98 figures are for England, Wales and Scotland.
	The 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 figures are for England and Wales only.

Fire Service

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the proposals for consultation on the SSA for the Fire Service, announced in his oral answer of 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 131, will be made available; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: As announced in the Local Government White Paper Implementation Plan, published on 10 April, we will consult over the summer on options for the new system of revenue grant distribution to local authorities. The Government will then implement decisions in time for the 2003–04 local government finance settlement.

Housing

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what subsidies have been provided in the financial year 2001–02 to public sector key workers for housing; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	£250 million is being provided for the Starter Home Initiative (SHI) over the three years 2001–02 to 2003–04 to help key workers to buy homes in areas where they would otherwise be priced out of the housing market. This includes SHI expenditure of £2.173 million to help key workers in 2001–02.

Housing

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of where the cost of providing affordable housing in sites suitable for market-price housing is borne.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The provision of affordable housing on a site can affect both developer profit and land value. The research "Delivering Affordable Housing through Planning Policy", published by the Department in February 2002, advised that the effect will vary depending on the type of affordable housing sought and the level of payment it generates to the developer.

Housing

Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many affordable empty homes there were in each London borough in each of the last 10 years.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of local authority (LA) and registered social landlord (RSL) empty homes in London by borough in each of the last 10 years are set out in table 1:
	
		Table 1: Total number of LA and RSL empty homes in London by borough in each of the last 10 years
		
			  1 April:  
			 Local authority 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993(61) 1992 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 581 784 704 852 713 629 439 378 285 292 
			 Barnet 274 248 227 259 209 255 216 215 283 185 
			 Bexley 163 168 163 243 186 162 196 192 192 101 
			 Brent 526 728 1,059 1,081 1,150 912 636 599 837 1,027 
			 Bromley 448 471 499 515 416 351 334 431 382 257 
			 Camden 582 531 680 672 686 711 731 734 795 818 
			 City of London 6 5 2 8 10 5 5 0 0 1 
			 Croydon 334 368 371 385 449 620 430 673 563 543 
			 Ealing 455 370 395 450 412 348 292 373 446 509 
			 Enfield 508 422 338 333 283 296 385 374 377 339 
			 Greenwich 800 887 821 956 1,047 939 990 1,179 1,227 755 
			 Hackney 2,265 2,538 2,769 2,133 3,287 3,606 4,300 4,828 4,524 3,152 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 618 585 551 696 747 594 671 705 654 772 
			 Haringey 405 456 691 544 665 748 760 619 962 645 
			 Harrow 112 92 139 124 123 161 133 140 180 143 
			 Havering 348 241 259 263 269 217 235 220 256 233 
			 Hillingdon 174 219 178 204 219 160 224 174 303 281 
			 Hounslow 350 340 259 232 358 383 482 557 595 371 
			 Islington 840 1,104 1,432 1,505 1,729 2,752 1,819 1,432 1,211 1,008 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 327 409 355 467 632 535 613 550 490 552 
			 Kingston upon Thames 113 102 93 108 179 146 122 103 111 114 
			 Lambeth 1,494 1,680 1,758 1,743 2,300 2,527 2,725 2,390 2,139 1,996 
			 Lewisham 1,190 1,051 959 1,097 1,218 1,674 1,435 1,542 1,204 939 
			 Merton 139 203 169 139 195 456 199 255 261 125 
			 Newham 514 516 680 951 958 1,069 1,148 1,174 1,110 1,183 
			 Redbridge 231 421 367 324 264 349 585 500 521 388 
			 Richmond upon Thames 146 204 221 221 240 172 267 127 181 170 
			 Southwark 2,154 1,791 1,700 1,623 1,923 2,415 1,531 1,771 1,981 2,077 
			 Sutton 133 270 209 158 193 192 104 123 132 130 
			 Tower Hamlets 1,063 1,302 1,470 1,503 1,811 1,723 1,773 1,706 2,123 1,934 
			 Waltham Forest 313 389 646 791 659 642 609 538 741 551 
			 Wandsworth 541 582 647 640 640 720 883 951 837 739 
			 Westminster 579 650 762 824 859 764 903 883 1,106 800 
			 London total 18,726 20,127 21,573 22,044 25,029 27,233 26,175 26,436 27,009 23,130 
		
	
	(61) Figures for 1993 are unusually high due to many dwellings bought by RSLs towards the end of the financial year (1992–93) under the Housing Market Package.
	Sources:
	DTLR's annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP) returns and the Housing Corporation's annual HAR 10 and Regulatory and Statistical Return (RSR)

Housing

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much of the Budget allocated for housing in 2003–04 will be allocated to (a) the south-west region and (b) North Somerset county council.

Tony McNulty: Allocations of housing resources for 2003–04 have not yet been decided. They will depend on a combination of measures of relative housing need, strategic regional housing priorities and authorities' performance on housing.

Funding (Luton, South)

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what moneys have been provided (a) directly and (b) via agencies for which the Department has responsibility to the Luton, South constituency since 1997.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The principal funding that this Department has provided to Luton from 1997–98 to date is shown in the table. These figures include grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.
	It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been directly spent on Luton, South. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.
	The transport allocations shown are for the Luton/ Dunstable conurbation which includes part of South Bedfordshire district.
	The information shown is not fully comprehensive—such information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		£ million 
		
			 Nature of Funding 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Revenue support grant 75.478 81.382 82.804 82.516 89.229 90.999 
			 Income from national non-domestic rates 41.033 42.769 46.379 52.786 51.567 56.327 
			 Local government reorganisation supplementary credit approval 3.575 2.160 0.186 — — — 
			 Single capital pot — — — — — 0.560 
			 Housing investment programme 3.337 2.978 3.274 6.205 2.952 3.015 
			 Housing revenue account subsidy 6.939 6.262 5.889 5.597 10.838 — 
			 Capital receipts initiative 0.481 1.664 1.843 (62)— (62)— 1 — 
			 Cash incentive scheme 0.250 0.106 — — — — 
			 New deal for communities funding(62) — — — — 0.721 7.55 
			 Neighbourhood renewal funding — — — — 0.754 1.132 
			 ERDF funding(63) — — — 0.470 0.944 2.531 
			 Transport policies and programme/local transport plan allocation 3.152 1.985 3.730 2.387 4.919 4.862 
		
	
	(62) The NDC funding is for the Marsh Farm estate, a project in the Luton, North constituency.
	(63) ERDF is by calendar year

Regional Organisations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which of the agencies and NDPBs sponsored by his Department have a regional organisation; and if he will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	The Rent Service is organised into the three regions of: north (England); south and midlands; and London and east. These regions correspond to the regional boundaries of the Government offices for, respectively, the north- east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber; the west midlands, east midlands, and the south-west; and London, east of England, and south-east.
	The Marine and Coastguard Agency is organised into three regions: Scotland and Northern Ireland; eastern; and Wales and west. As these relate to England, these also incorporate complete Government office regions in almost every respect.
	The Housing Corporation has four field offices in the regions of London, south, central and north, with local offices beneath these. These regions correspond to the regional boundaries of the Government offices for, respectively, London; the south-east and south-west; the west midlands, east midlands, and east of England; and the north-west, north-east, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
	The Health and Safety Executive has a field operations headquarters in Bootle, with regional offices in divisions defined as Scotland, the north-west, Yorkshire and the north-east, midlands, Wales and west, the home counties, and London and the south-east.
	The numbers of county and unitary local authorities in each of the Government office regions referred to have been placed in the House Library.

Regional Organisations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what regional organisation his Department has; and if he will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	The nine Government offices for the regions carry out work for my Department in a number of areas including housing, planning, transport, neighbourhood renewal, local government and the administration of European structural funds.
	The county and unitary authorities in each of the nine English regions are set out in a table which I have placed in the Library.
	The information about local authorities in the east of England given in annexe A of the White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice" was incorrect. It should have shown that there are four unitary authorities—as set out in this table—and 44 shire districts.

Regional Government

Mark Prisk: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on the imposition of a regional assembly upon a shire county if a majority of its population rejected it in a referendum.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	Whether an elected regional assembly is established in any region will depend on the vote of the region as a whole.

Regional Government

Mark Prisk: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy that the people of Hertfordshire will be able to choose the region they wish to be a part of in his plans for regional governance.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	No. As set out in chapter 6 of the White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice", we do not propose to depart from the existing boundaries used by the Government offices for the regions, regional development agencies and other bodies.

Regional Government

Mark Prisk: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate his Department has made of the impact on employment in the East of England region should an existing tier be abolished as outlined in his plans for regional governance.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	It is not possible to make accurate estimates of the impact on employment of any future local government reorganisation in the east of England region, as this will depend on the unitary structure recommended by the Boundary Committee for England. More generally, we expect that an elected regional assembly would help to increase employment in the region by enhancing regional economic competitiveness and performance.

Regional Government

Mark Prisk: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what minimum participation level will be required in referenda to determine the establishment of a regional assembly.

Nick Raynsford: Our proposals for referendums are set out in chapter 9 of the White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice."

Regional Government

Mark Prisk: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what basis his Department estimates the cost of running a regional assembly.

Nick Raynsford: Cost estimates have been based on a number of factors, including the number of staff working on relevant policy functions in the regions at present, the expected number of assembly members and support staff, and comparable costs for other tiers of Government, adjusted to take account of the specific features of regional assemblies.

Neighbourhood Wardens

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in what areas neighbourhood wardens operate; and what access other areas have to opportunities to develop such schemes.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	Neighbourhood wardens operate throughout England and Wales. A list showing the schemes funded by my Department follows. Continued Government funding will be dependent upon the outcome of the spending review, although any area may develop a scheme if they can secure the necessary support.
	
		Neighbourhood warden schemes
		
			 Town/area Wardens 
		
		
			 Aldershot 1 
			 Avon and Somerset parishes 2 
			 Balsall Heath 20 
			 Barnet 4 
			 Barnsley 5 
			 Benchill 7 
			 Birmingham 3 
			 Bolton 2 
			 Bolton 2 
			 Boston 9 
			 Burnley 6 
			 Bury 2 
			 Caernarfon 1 
			 Caerphilly 3 
			 Canterbury 6 
			 Cardiff 1 
			 Coventry 1 
			 Dacorum 1 
			 Darlington 3 
			 Derby 3 
			 Doncaster 2 
			 Everton 12 
			 Exeter 4 
			 Gateshead 4 
			 Gorton 5 
			 Gosport 1 
			 Guildford 2 
			 Hackney 4 
			 Hastings 4 
			 Havering 4 
			 Hillingdon 6 
			 Horsham 2 
			 Hounslow 6 
			 Hull 6 
			 Huntingdon 3 
			 Islington 6 
			 Kidderminster 2 
			 Kirklees 6 
			 Knowsley 8 
			 Leeds 10 
			 Leicestershire (north west) 1 
			 Lewisham 7 
			 Liverpool 1 
			 Longridge and Shaw Heath Estate 4 
			 Manchester 12 
			 Manchester (north) 12 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 2 
			 Merton 3 
			 Middlesbrough 3.5 
			 Milton Keynes 1 
			 Mullion 1 
			 North Tyneside 7 
			 Norwich 2 
			 Nottingham 2 
			 Oldham 2 
			 Pontefract 5 
			 Portsmouth 8 
			 Rotherham 6 
			 Sale West 6 
			 Salford 3 
			 Sedgefield 1 
			 Sheffield 3 
			 Sheffield 4 
			 Skelmersdale 12 
			 Slough 5 
			 South Tyneside 6 
			 Southwark 9 
			 Stevenage 9 
			 Stockton on Tees 8 
			 Stoke on Trent 6 
			 Sunderland 3 
			 Sutton 4 
			 Swansea council 3 
			 Tower Hamlets 4 
			 Trafford 5 
			 Trafford 5 
			 Vale of White Horse 2 
			 Walsall 10 
			 Wansbeck 20 
			 Wigan 4 
			 Wilmslow 1 
			 Wirral 4 
			 Wolverhampton 3 
			 Workington 4 
			 Wyre 4

Neighbourhood Wardens

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to announce the next round of bidding for neighbourhood warden schemes; and if he will make a statement on the eligibility for entitlement to neighbourhood warden schemes for urban areas outside inner cities.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	This year we are introducing 123 Street Warden Schemes throughout the country. A £5 million extension of the existing 84 Neighbourhood Warden Schemes to the year 2003–04 has already been announced. Decisions on future funds will be dependent upon the outcome of the spending review. Warden schemes are found in all parts of the country from small rural places through to towns and large cities.

Local Government

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which local authorities have debt-free status and have retained their housing stock.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The following local authorities with council housing as at 30 September 2001 were debt-free in 2001–02:
	Barking and Dagenham
	Bracknell Forest
	Bromsgrove
	Broxbourne
	City of London
	Corby
	Crawley
	Dacorum
	Dartford
	Daventry
	East Devon
	Forest Heath
	Harlow
	Mid Bedfordshire
	Mole Valley
	Redditch
	Runnymede
	Salisbury
	Slough
	South Cambridgeshire
	South Northamptonshire
	St. Edmundsbury
	Stevenage
	Tandridge
	Three Rivers
	Uttlesford
	Watford
	Waverley
	Welwyn Hatfield
	Wycombe
	Source:
	Capital Payments and Receipts (CPR2) 2001–02
	Definition: An authority was debt-free on 30 September 2001 if (a) at 31 March 2001, the authority's credit ceiling was nil or a negative amount and (b) at 30 September 2001, the authority had no money outstanding by way of external borrowing other than short-term borrowing or hard to redeem debt, as defined in Regulation 154 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance) Regulations 1997

Local Government

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  whether the announcement of proposals for the reform of local government funding will include indicative figures on the impact of local authorities grant positions of the proposals;
	(2)  if the review of local government funding will be followed by a period of consultation with local authorities before final decisions on changes to the funding formulas for local authority grants are implemented;
	(3)  if he will make a statement on the timetable for the announcement of the review of local government funding and the implementation of the conclusions from that review.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government will consult over the summer on options for the new system of revenue grant distribution to local authorities. We will make an announcement on the precise form of that consultation in due course. We intend our conclusions on the way forward to be announced in late November or early December, when we set out the proposed grant distribution to local authorities for 2003–04.

Fires

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  how many domestic fires were recorded by each fire authority in each of the past 10 years;
	(2)  how many (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries caused by domestic fires were recorded by fire authorities broken down by age range (i) 0–5, (ii) 6–10, (iii) 11–20 and (iv) 21 plus in the last 10 years;
	(3)  how many fires in multiple occupation homes were recorded by fire authorities in each of the past 10 years;
	(4)  how many (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries caused by domestic fires were recorded by each fire authority in each of the past 10 years.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is contained in the tables which have been placed in the House Library.

Fires

Theresa May: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many house fires there were in which people were (a) killed, (b) injured and (c) both, broken down by (i) deliberate and (ii) accidental fires, in the last three years.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	The following table shows the number of accidental and malicious (ie deliberate) dwelling fires attended by local authority fire brigades in the United Kingdom that resulted in deaths and injuries for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.
	
		
			   Number of dwelling(64) fires  
			  1998 1999 2000(65) 
		
		
			 Accidental
			 Total fires 57,718 58,366 56,655 
			 Fires with deaths only 309 293 268 
			 Fires with injuries only 8,829 8,756 8,315 
			 Fires with deaths and injuries 106 78 89 
			 
			 Malicious
			 Total fires 13,359 13,862 14,242 
			 Fires with deaths only 34 31 30 
			 Fires with injuries only 1,177 1,195 1,296 
			 Fires with deaths and injuries 14 18 17 
		
	
	(64) Dwellings are defined as buildings occupied by households, excluding hotels, hostels and residential institutions. They also include caravans, houseboats and other non-building structures used solely as a permanent dwelling
	(65) Data for 2000 are provisional. Death figures have not been estimated to take account of revisions likely to occur once further information from inquests and death certificates confirming cause of death is received.

Data Matching

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in relation to data matching exercises undertaken by the Audit Commission and local authorities, how many individuals' personal data have been processed in data matching exercises in connection with fraud; how many cases have been identified as part of that data matching exercise as being possible cases of fraud requiring further investigation; how many cases, after investigation, were deemed likely to be fraudulent; how many cases were prosecuted; what the total cost were of data matching exercises, including staff and computer costs; and what the estimated total savings to the public purse are and what multiplier was used in this calculation.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The following information is taken from the Audit Commission's National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2000. All data collection and matching is undertaken in accordance with the Code of Data Matching, agreed between the Audit Commission and the Information Commissioner. Because data for matching is drawn from a wide range of data sources, with individuals' details potentially appearing on a number of data submissions, it is not possible to identify the number of individuals for whom data has been collected. However, in its report on the 2000 NFI, the Commission reported that over 14 million records were matched. The Commission's role is to identify matches and report these back to the relevant authorities for further investigation. It is for individual authorities to identify potentially fraudulent matches and to investigate these further, and, if appropriate, prosecute. The Commission does not have details of how many cases fall into these categories. The cost of the Audit Commission's role in NFI 2000 was some £600,000, including staff costs and computer costs. The Commission does not have information on the costs incurred by individual authorities in investigating potentially fraudulent matches. The Commission does not seek to estimate the potential savings arising from NFI. However, in its report on the 2000 NFI, the Commission reported that the value of detected fraud and overpayment, up to the date of publication, was £50 million, an increase of 19 per cent. over the previous NFI undertaken in 1998.

South-west Regional Assembly

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many civil servants and public officials carry out activities on behalf of Government departments in the South West Region; and how many would be transferred to an elected South West Regional Assembly.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of permanent civil service staff in each English region is listed in the table in Box 2.6 of the White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice" (Cm 5511). The number of other public officials in the regions is not held centrally.
	The number of posts to transfer to an elected assembly for the South West will depend on the number of posts devoted to the relevant function at the time of transfer but might be in the region of 50 to 100 posts, the majority of which would come from the Government Office for the South West. The assembly would also become responsible for the South West Regional Development Agency, which currently employs around 200 staff.

South-west Regional Assembly

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list those agencies and public bodies (a) for which an elected south west regional assembly would have responsibility and accountability and (b) over which it would have influence.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	The responsibilities of elected regional assemblies are set out in Chapter 4 of the White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice" (Cm 5511), published on 9 May.

Domestic Violence

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many women have been classified as having a priority need for accommodation as victims of domestic violence under sections 175 and 177 of the Housing Act 1996.

Sally Keeble: I have been asked to reply.
	Data are not collected centrally in the precise form requested. Available information on households accommodated under statutory homelessness provisions in England is published in a quarterly Statistical Release, "Statutory Homelessness: England".
	Table 3 presents a summary of those households accepted as unintentionally homeless and in priority need under the Housing Act 1996, identifying which category was most crucial in determining priority need. Cases where domestic violence was the exclusive reason are identified separately, but further cases may also exist where, for example, the presence of dependent children was regarded by the local authority as the crucial determining factor. Table 4 further summarises acceptances by reason for loss of the household's last settled home, and identifies all cases involving a "violent breakdown of relationship".
	Copies of the statistical release are held in the Library and are also available on the Department's website. The latest edition, published on 14 March 2002, presents statistics up to and including the fourth quarter of 2001.

Domestic Violence

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the ministerial group on domestic violence regarding local government policy on housing allocation for victims of domestic violence.

Nick Raynsford: I have been asked to reply.
	This is one of a number of housing issues which are the subject of on-going discussion with the ministerial group on domestic violence, and on which the Department has provided briefing for this group, in order to meet the key objective, shared by both the ministerial group and the Department, to increase safe accommodation choices for women and children.

Domestic Violence

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the advice issued to local government regarding housing allocation for victims of domestic violence.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	On 31 May 2002 the Department will be issuing for consultation a draft code of guidance for local housing authorities on the allocation of housing, which has been revised to take account of the changes to Part 6 of the Housing Act contained in the Homelessness Act 2002. The issue of domestic violence is referred to in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Code.
	The period for consultation ends on 28 August 2002.
	A copy of the draft Code will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

Regeneration

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much investment is committed to neighbourhood renewal programme in the next five years; and how that budget is divided between revenue and capital spending.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a 10-year commitment to New Deal for Communities partnerships of £2,152 billion, of which £753 million is expected to be capital and £1,399 million revenue.
	The total budget provision for neighbourhood renewal programmes, including NDC and NRF, in the current year is £727 million. Of this, £165 million is in DTLR's Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) and £562 million is in the DTLR and Local Government Resource DELs.
	Detailed annual budgets for 2003–04 to 2005–06 for NDC and other neighbourhood renewal programmes are currently being reviewed in the context of the Spending Review.
	Current best estimates of the split between revenue and capital spending on the established Partnership plans for New Deal in Communities funding, show this to be: 2002–03: £120 million revenue and £66 million capital and 2003–04: £172 million revenue and £93 million capital.
	Development of all other neighbourhood renewal programmes commenced last year and detailed information on the split between revenue and capital of community plans flowing from these still has to be established.

Regeneration

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of Government's spending on urban regeneration over the next five years; and what levels are committed to capital and revenue spending.

Sally Keeble: I have been asked to reply.
	The ODPM's urban regeneration budgets for the remaining years of SR2000 are as follows:
	
		£ million 
		
			   2002–04 2003–04 
		
		
			 Resource 769 532 
			 Capital 889 1,266 
			 Total 1,658 1,798 
		
	
	Detailed annual budgets for 2003–04 to 2005–06 for urban regeneration programmes are currently being reviewed in the context of the Spending Review.

Mobile Phone Masts

Archie Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he has made an estimate of how many extra mobile phone masts operators will require to complete their networks in the next five years.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	This is a matter for the individual telecommunications operators. However, the operators are fully aware of the importance we attach to keeping the number of masts to the minimum practicable, for example, through mast sharing, and to ensuring that those which are needed are designed and sited with sensitivity and care.
	When rolling out their future network needs, and in addition to the statutory consultation requirements, the five mobile phone operators have made a series of commitments to deliver improved communication and consultation with local authorities and local communities. This includes providing local planning authorities with annual rollout plans for each authority's area. We strongly encourage operators and local planning authorities to carry out annual discussions based upon these plans. These will provide an early opportunity to discuss technical and environmental constraints and to explore possible alternative approaches, particularly the opportunities for mast and site sharing and also in terms of the location and design of the apparatus.
	The Department is currently drawing up, in partnership with representatives of the mobile phone operators and local government, a revised Code of Best Practice, which will include advice and best practice on the delivery of mobile phone mast development.

Parish Councils

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirement there is for parish councillors to sign the Code of Conduct as individuals in cases where their parish council as a whole has not adopted the Code of Conduct.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	The Local Government Act 2000 and The Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2001 place a duty on parish councils to adopt a code of conduct by 5 May 2002. If a code is not adopted by a parish council, parish councillors are not under a duty to give a written undertaking to observe a code. However, if a parish council fails to adopt a code, the provisions of the model code apply to all members of that council. Newly-elected members must give an undertaking on accepting office that they will observe the provisions of the model code.

Single Regeneration Budget

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what information he collects on the application of grants paid through the single regeneration budget, their efficacy and effectiveness.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The regional development agencies are responsible for administering the single regeneration budget at regional level. The RDAs collect information on grant expenditure and performance data from the regeneration partnerships that manage the individual SRB schemes. The partnerships are required to appraise all projects before grant can be approved. Also, at the end of a scheme, the partnership is required to submit to the RDA a report on the overall achievement of the scheme against the strategic objectives and the end scheme position against the baseline position at the start of the scheme. The RDAs account to the Government for their expenditure, including grant paid to regeneration partnerships under SRB rules, in accordance with detailed reporting requirements and procedures set out in corporate planning and other guidance issued to the RDAs. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister also collects data from the RDAs on selected outputs generated by SRB schemes.
	In addition, the Department has commissioned the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge to undertake an eight-year evaluation of the SRB programme. A mid-term report of the evaluation, based on 10 case study SRB partnerships whose activities have completed, was published in January. The findings of this report and earlier reports are published on the Department's website.

Homelessness

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress the Homelessness Directorate has made with regard to tackling homelessness.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The Homelessness Directorate brings together the Rough Sleepers Unit, the Bed and Breakfast Unit and a new team to advise local authorities on tackling homelessness. The Directorate aims to:
	sustain the success of meeting the Prime Minister's target of reducing rough sleeping by two thirds by 2002;
	ensure that by March 2004 no homeless families with children are living in bed and breakfast hotels except in an emergency and, even then, for no more than six weeks;
	promote new and more strategic approaches to tackle more effectively the growing problem of homelessness.
	Since its establishment in March this year, the Homelessness Directorate has:
	published the report "More than a roof" which, together with the Secretary of State's response, sets out a new approach to tackling homelessness;
	reviewed local rough sleeping strategies in order to sustain the two thirds reduction in the number of rough sleepers in England;
	published a good practice handbook to help local authorities to conduct homelessness reviews and develop effective homelessness strategies;
	invited local authorities to apply for £10 million funding for homelessness strategies, to commence in July 2002;
	held a number of regional good practice conferences on reducing the use of B&B hotels;
	required high using B&B authorities to produce B&B reduction action plans, backed up by £35 million of new resources;
	participated in seven seminars organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing to promote awareness of the requirements of the Homelessness Act among housing and homelessness professionals;
	issued new advice to housing authorities on arrangements to ensure that all babies and children placed in temporary accommodation receive their health and developmental tests;
	improved the collection of information from local authorities to monitor the number of homeless families with children living in B&B hotels and to record the length of time they stay there.
	Additionally, the Government have:
	taken through the Homelessness Act 2002 which will strengthen the statutory safety net for homeless people and ensure that all housing authorities have a homelessness strategy for their districts;
	confirmed its intention to bring the main homelessness provisions of that Act into force in July, together with an extension by order of the groups who are in priority need for housing;
	confirmed that £10 million will be allocated to local authorities in 2002–03 to help them deliver the proposed new priority needs order;
	amended housing benefit rules to provide additional incentives for private leasing as an alternative to the use of B&B hotels for homeless people;
	announced that tackling homelessness is a new theme for the Beacon Councils scheme.

Homelessness

Theresa May: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the administration costs for the (a) National Homelessness Directorate, (b) Bed and Breakfast Unit and (c) Rough Sleepers Unit were in the last 12 months.

Tony McNulty: The Bed and Breakfast Unit, the Rough Sleepers Unit and the homelessness responsibilities which had resided in the former DTLR's Housing Directorate were merged from 1 April 2002 to form a new Homelessness Directorate. The administration costs for the Rough Sleepers Unit in 2001–02 were £1.33 million and those for the Bed and Breakfast Unit were £132,000.

Homelessness

Theresa May: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the money allocated to the (a) Bed and Breakfast Unit and (b) Rough Sleepers Unit by him for the current financial year is expected to be spent on administration costs.

Tony McNulty: The Bed and Breakfast Unit, the Rough Sleepers Unit and the homelessness responsibilities which had resided in the former DTLR's; Housing Directorate were merged from 1 April to form a new Homelessness Directorate. The Homelessness Directorate has an overall budget for programme expenditure of £125 million for the current financial year. In addition to this the directorate has a separate budget to cover administration costs, which for the current financial year amounts to £1.6 million.

Sound Insulation

Theresa May: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent estimate he has made of the number of households affected by poor sound insulation.

Nick Raynsford: The best estimate my Department has of the number of people affected by poor sound insulation comes from the regulatory impact assessment prepared for the revision of Part E of the Building Regulations—which deals with sound insulation between new dwellings. This examined data collected by the 1996 English house condition survey and concluded that 670,000 households were bothered by noise from neighbours which could be attributed to poor design of the building or a combination of poor design and behaviour of the neighbours.

Adapted Housing

Alan Hurst: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to increase the provision of specially adapted housing for the elderly and the disabled.

Tony McNulty: The Housing Corporation through the approved development programme (ADP) and supported housing management grant (SHMG) provide specially adapted housing and support for the elderly and disabled. The Housing Corporation through its national investment strategy sets out the priorities against which registered social landlords should bid for resources for both ADP and SHMG. Included in these priorities are housing for older people and supported housing for people with physical disabilities and frail older people. The ADP is set to rise to £1.2 billion in 2003–04, almost double the planned expenditure for 2000–01. The Housing Corporation is currently reviewing its strategy for housing older people to reflect national policy developments such as supporting people and to encourage more joined up solutions to housing support and care needs to this group.
	Local housing authorities have a statutory duty to offer disabled facilities grants (DFGs) to eligible applicants who require adaptations to help them live independently in their own homes. The grant is available to homeowners and tenants in both the private and social rented sector. It is subject to a means test. The Government meet 60 per cent. of the total local authority expenditure incurred on DFGs through the payment of specified capital grant. The budget for this grant for English authorities in 2002–03 is £88 million compared with £56 million in 1997–98, an increase of nearly 60 per cent.

Millennium Dome

Stephen Pound: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future of the Millennium Dome.

Tony McNulty: On 29 May 2002, English Partnerships entered into legally binding contracts with Meridian Delta Ltd. (MDL), a consortium consisting of Lendlease plc and Quintain Estates and Development, and with the Anschutz Entertainment Group, for the redevelopment of the dome and approximately 170 acres of land on the Greenwich peninsula. Under the deal, Anschutz will construct a world-class standard 20,000 seat arena inside the dome, capable of hosting a wide range of entertainment and sporting events. No specific price is being paid for the land under the arena, but its value is reflected in the deal as a whole with MDL. Anschutz is committed to investing £135 million, and English Partnerships will be entitled to a share of profits made by the arena, after a priority return to Anschutz.
	In the outer rim of the dome, and spilling out into the northern tip of the peninsula, MDL and Anschutz plan to construct a mix of eating, entertainment and leisure facilities—this part of the development is known as the dome waterfront. Again, the land value is reflected in the deal as a whole with MDL. MDL and Anschutz are committed to investing at least £65 million. Again English Partnerships will share in profits.
	All risk in respect of the dome will transfer to Anschutz and MDL, who are required to maintain the dome until 2018. Should they decide at that time to remove the dome structure and redevelop the land, English Partnerships will be entitled to a 50 per cent. share of redevelopment proceeds. This protects English Partnerships' position on the redevelopment value of the land.
	In respect of the rest of the peninsula land in the deal (around 146 acres), English Partnerships and MDL have agreed that they will develop the site jointly. Development is to take place over the next 20 to 25 years, with an end date of 2025. The detailed terms provide for English Partnerships to retain ownership of its land until individual plots are required for development. The payout will work as follows: first, an agreed minimum land value, on the sale of any parcel of land—this protects against any downturn—secondly, the uplift in the value of land, after planning permission and at the point of sale to a developer, to reflect development value. Calculation of the split varies across the phases of development, but broadly evens out to 50:50—after costs—assuming development of about 14 million square feet. Where MDL develops land itself, English Partnerships will receive the agreed minimum land value plus a share of sale proceeds, or the value of the development—both after costs—once the development is complete.
	Under the terms of the original acquisition of the land, British Gas is entitled to 7.5 per cent. of sale proceeds or open market value across the site. This would apply in relation to any onward sale of land on the Greenwich peninsula by English Partnerships.
	No negotiations between English Partnerships and British Gas have yet taken place on how exactly British Gas's entitlement is to be interpreted in the context of the deal with MDL and Anschutz. English Partnerships will ensure that the outcome of those negotiations represents good value for money for the public purse.
	The deal's three parts—dome, dome waterfront, and the rest of the land—are subject to the grant of planning permission. Participants envisage making an application in the autumn. Until planning permission is granted the site will remain the responsibility of English Partnerships.
	In agreeing to accept the terms of this deal, the Government have focused on four main aspects: value for money; regeneration benefits for the area; deliverability and a proper use for the dome.
	As regards value for money, we have made it clear that we would only proceed with any deal if it provided proper value for money for the Government. That included comparison with the value for money which could be delivered by demolishing the dome, or by alternative development scenarios retaining the dome. The net present value of the agreements that I have just outlined to English Partnerships, assuming the full scheme is developed, is around £240 million as estimated by independent advisers. The expected cash to be received over a period of around 20 years will be up to £550 million.
	The division of these proceeds between the Millennium Commission and English Partnerships has not been finally agreed. At the time of the Legacy deal a formula was agreed. Because that deal was of an entirely different sort to this one, the precise application of the formula to this deal needs to be considered further. But a fair split will be worked out. The process of working out that split does not affect the deal English Partnerships has done with MDL and Anschutz. On the basis of independent advice, we are satisfied that the deal is good value for money.
	If the site had been sold outright now with no joint development agreement, the estimated value of the site—the amount we would have obtained in the market—was considerably less than the net present value of the deal of around £240 million. This is so whether the dome was there or not.
	The other main comparator that we have considered is whether this current deal would have produced a higher return had the dome been demolished and the land under it dealt with in the same way as the wider peninsula lands. Independent advice from Jones Lang Lasalle satisfies us that the value to the Government of demolishing the dome would produce a lower return for the Government than preserving the dome, and developing the site in the agreed way. To make available more land by the demolition would not increase the amount of land which could be developed because the constraints on development over the period of the development are not the amount of land but planning and transport.
	Moreover, we have received professional advice that the establishment of a successful and iconic venue enhances the value of the rest of the development.
	These agreements allow the Government to participate in the increasing value of the land across the peninsula. This is sensible, and in the public interest. As the development proceeds, land values will increase. This will be reflected in the land value element in the payment to English Partnerships when the land is sold for development.
	The deal also ensures a return to English Partnerships if the dome site is redeveloped at some point in the future. In addition, English Partnerships will share in profits from the arena and from the dome waterfront development.
	The deal contains no promise by the Government to a particular crossing across the Thames. There is no commitment of any sort in the deal or associated with it. MDL has confirmed this.
	The issue of enhancing the transport infrastructure is of huge importance to many communities in and around London. The increased activity on the Greenwich peninsula which comes from this development will inevitably be a factor which will bear on those decisions. But there is no promise on this issue in connection with the deal. The question of river crossings is a very complex regional issue, extending well beyond the Greenwich peninsula and relating to traffic flows across the region, not just in respect of individual developments.
	As regards regeneration benefits, the Greenwich peninsula has for decades been contaminated and badly connected to the rest of London. It has been de-contaminated and the Jubilee line extension brings with it good transport links. This development will bring tens of thousands of jobs and up to 7,000 new homes, many of them affordable. We believe that it will have a significant regeneration effect. It will create a new mini city. The MDL scheme outperforms any other scheme in regeneration benefits.
	As regards deliverability, the participants in the development include players with established records in delivering developments of the size and quality this project requires. This is their core business.
	Anschutz Entertainment Group is part of the Anschutz Corporation, one of the largest private corporations in the United States of America. It has world-wide sporting and entertainment interests including the Staples Centre arena in Los Angeles. It has the resources to develop and the track record which shows that it can do it. It has the energy and commitment to deliver.
	Lendlease is a major development company. It is quoted on the Australian stock exchange, operates in 40 countries and has a market capitalisation of around £2 billion. Quintain is quoted on the London stock exchange and has gross assets of £637 million.
	Lendlease owns Bovis in the UK and has successfully developed the Sydney Olympic village and Bluewater shopping centre. It is currently project manager for the ground zero project in New York.
	These players have the resources, the experience and the ability to deliver.
	As regards a suitable use for the dome, by creating an arena and associated entertainment and leisure facilities we have found an appropriate use for what is widely acknowledged to be a high quality landmark building. Public access is assured. Keeping the dome as the lynchpin of the development has been welcomed by the London borough of Greenwich and the Mayor's office.
	The agreements represent excellent value for money. The deal brings substantial regeneration benefits for the immediate area and beyond. It brings into the development players of proven ability and resource. It ensures that the public sector can participate in the increase in value of the whole estate as the development proceeds. It represents a fitting use for the dome which will enhance the value of the whole project and attract people and economic activity.
	A huge amount of work has gone into this deal. It represents a very secure foundation on which the Government and their private-sector partners can proceed to deliver the benefits that are available to be harvested from the dome, and for the peninsula. We considered all other options but none offered comparable benefits.
	The deal will deliver excellent value for money, thousands of jobs and homes, an exciting use of one of London's landmark buildings and the continued regeneration of a key site in the evolution of Greenwich, London and the Thames Gateway.

Council Tax Discount

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made regarding the consultation on the Government's proposals to give local authorities the discretion to reduce the 50 per cent. council tax discount for second homes and long-term empty homes.

Christopher Leslie: The Government issued "Council Tax: A consultation paper on proposed changes for second homes and long term empty homes" last November. The deadline for responses was 15 February. We are currently considering responses and intend to announce the way forward shortly.

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many letters were received by each Minister in his Department in each month since June 1997.

Douglas Alexander: I have been asked to reply.
	The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May Official Report, column 674W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.
	Information on the volume of other correspondence received by Ministers is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Land Sales

Peter Luff: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the land that his Department is (a) offering for sale and (b) plans to offer in the next 12 months, giving its (i) location and (ii) size.

Douglas Alexander: I have been asked to reply.
	The Cabinet Office is not presently offering any land for sale and currently has no plans to do so over the next 12 months.

Universal Banking Service

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many times the Ministerial Committee on the Universal Banking Service has met over the past year; and when.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	It is established practice under part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information related to proceedings of Cabinet Committees.

Universal Banking Service

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what consultations the Ministerial Committee on the Universal Banking Service has had with outside organisations.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government Departments involved in universal banking, and the Post Office, have had a number of discussions with outside organisations with an interest in this subject.

Expenditure Authorisation

Richard Bacon: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on (a) the circumstances in which an accounting officer should seek a direction from a Minister before authorising expenditure, (b) the number of occasions since 1 May 1997 that such directions have been sought by accounting officers and (c) the Department and sum involved and the purpose of the expenditure for which a direction was sought in each case.

Paul Boateng: pursuant to the reply, 8 May 2002, c. 253W
	It has come to the Treasury's attention that the schedule of ministerial directions was incomplete and should have included a direction issued in 2001 in the Department of Trade and Industry concerning regional selective assistance. I apologise for this omission.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Capital Projects

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many local education authorities award PFI credits for capital investment into new buildings and major refurbishments have been made; what the capital value of each project is; and what stage they are in the PFI procurement process.

Ivan Lewis: 68 local education authority schools projects have been awarded PFI credits for new buildings or major refurbishments. Of these, 44 have reached financial and/or commercial close, with a total capital value of £1.229 billion. Another 24 projects are in procurement, having been approved by the Treasury- chaired Project Review Group (PRG). Details of these projects are given on the Department's website at www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolsprivatefinanceinitiative. A further 30 projects have been awarded PFI credits on a provisional basis and are currently preparing Outline Business Cases for consideration by the PRG.
	The capital value in terms of PFI credits for each of the 44 signed projects is shown in the table. The capital value of the 24 projects in procurement and the 30 provisionally approved projects is subject to change.
	
		
			 Local authorities PFI credits (£ million) 
		
		
			 Dorset 15.6 
			 Kingston-upon-Hull 2.8 
			 Hillingdon 18.8 
			 Enfield 15.9 
			 Portsmouth 12.4 
			 Leeds 4.1 
			 Birmingham 50.6 
			 Waltham Forest 18.5 
			 Manchester 3.7 
			 East Sussex 19.0 
			 Essex 11.1 
			 Torbay 14.2 
			 Staffordshire 13.7 
			 Sheffield 58.8 
			 Wiltshire 38.6 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 93.0 
			 Haringey 62.5 
			 East Riding 26.0 
			 Brent 9.0 
			 Cornwall 60.7 
			 Derbyshire 29.0 
			 Kent 11.6 
			 Kirklees 59.2 
			 Lancashire 13.4 
			 Liverpool 10.8 
			 Newham 30.0 
			 North Yorkshire 7.2 
			 Wirral 58.5 
			 Redbridge 20.0 
			 Sunderland 12.0 
			 Lincolnshire 12.8 
			 Leeds 45.2 
			 Liverpool 72.5 
			 Southampton 42.6 
			 Dudley 22.0 
			 Brighton and Hove 24.8 
			 Bolton 3.2 
			 Newcastle 47.1 
			 Nottinghamshire 17.2 
			 Stockton 6.1 
			 Tower Hamlets—Mulberry 17.4 
			 Tower Hamlets—Grouped Pilot 88.5 
			 Walsall 8.2 
			 Tameside 20.9 
			  
			 Total 1,229.2

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the Education and Youth Affairs European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 30 May; and what information is being provided by her Department to the Scottish Executive in connection with pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Ivan Lewis: No Scottish Executive Minister attended the Education and Youth Affairs Council on 30 May 2002. Pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament is a matter for that Parliament and for the Scottish Executive The Scottish Executive has provided the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament with full briefing on the council agenda items and is in regular communication with my Department in respect of council business. My Department stands ready to provide any relevant information and ensures at all times that the Scottish Executive is consulted as appropriate on scrutiny issues in advance of council meetings.

Race Relations Policy

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the additional workload for teachers and heads arising from the new statutory requirement to (a) publish a race relations policy, (b) collect data on pupil performance, admissions and discipline by racial group, (c) analyse data on the criteria in (b) and (d) assess and monitor the data which have been collected and analysed.

Ivan Lewis: No such estimates have been made. Schools have been required to collect data on the ethnicity of pupils since 1989, and should already have an equal opportunities policy. This Department has encouraged schools to make more flexible use of administrative and support staff to collect, monitor and analyse data relating to pupils, and we have increased the number of support staff by 78,900 to 213,000 in order to reduce the time teachers spend on non-teaching tasks.

Race Relations Policy

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Government will take in respect of schools which do not have a written statement of race relations policy in place by 31 May.

Ivan Lewis: The Commission for Racial Equality will be responsible for ensuring that schools comply with the requirement to have a written race equality policy by 31 May. It was given this power by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Race Relations Policy

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of (a) number and (b) percentage of (i) secondary and (ii) primary schools which will have a written statement of the race relations policy by 31 May.

Ivan Lewis: No such estimates have been made. Under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, all schools are required to have in place by 31 May a written race equality policy and measures for both assessing and monitoring the impact of all their policies—including their race equality policy—on pupils, staff and parents from different ethnic groups.

Age Discrimination

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age.

Ivan Lewis: The Department for Education and Skills is committed to raising awareness of age issues throughout the Department and eliminating age discrimination, particularly against older people. Age is a key element of the equal opportunities strategy and policy and will remain so.
	Our policy provides that all eligible people must have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their suitability for the work, which is assessed through competence based systems. There is no unfair discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. Additionally, we continually analyse management information relating to age, to monitor any adverse impact, and improve, our key HR systems.

Asylum Seekers

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools had over (i) 10 per cent., (ii) 25 per cent. and (iii) 50 per cent. of pupils who were asylum seekers' children in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: Information on the number of children of asylum seekers in schools is not collected centrally.
	The Refugee Council has estimated that there is in the region of 80,000 children of asylum seekers and refugees in schools in the United Kingdom.
	This compares to an estimated 8,397,000 children aged five to 15 years in maintained and non-maintained schools in the United Kingdom and therefore represents on average 0.95 per cent. of school aged children.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent by her Department on paying pensions to retired employees of her Department in 2001–02; if she will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if she will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if she will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 20 May 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office on 23 May 2002, Official Report, columns 561–63W.

HIV/AIDS

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has conducted into the levels of awareness of HIV/AIDS among 10 to 24-year-olds between 1987 and 2002.

Ivan Lewis: The Department for Education and Skills has not conducted research into the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people. However, the Department of Health funds a four monthly tracking survey of young people aged 13 to 21 as part of the evaluation of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. This has consistently shown that 96 per cent. of those surveyed are aware of HIV/AIDS.
	A recent report by the Office for Standards in Education recommended that the coverage of HIV and AIDS in schools is enhanced. We have responded to the report by commissioning practical guidance for teachers on HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

HIV/AIDS

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average age is at which children in the UK learn about HIV/AIDS in school; and what guidelines are given to teachers on the context of such sessions.

Ivan Lewis: Teaching about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will normally be introduced to pupils at Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14).
	Strategies for teaching about HIV/AIDS are covered by our Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) Guidance which was sent to all schools in July 2000. The guidance makes clear that SRE should be firmly rooted in the framework of Personal, Social and Health Education, to ensure that young people learn to respect themselves and make responsible and well informed decisions about their lives.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many press releases have been issued by her Department in each month of 2002.

Ivan Lewis: The following table shows the number of press releases issued each month this year to date:
	
		
			 Month Number of press releases 
		
		
			 January 21 
			 February 19 
			 March 22 
			 April 20 
			 May 20 
		
	
	The above press releases can be accessed via the Department's website, www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/newslist.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many press releases were issued by her Department (a) in each month between May and December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive.

Ivan Lewis: Table A shows the number of press releases issued between May and December in 1997.
	
		Table A
		
			 Month Number of press releases 
		
		
			 May 36 
			 June 41 
			 July 71 
			 August 22 
			 September 35 
			 October 43 
			 November 49 
			 December 41 
			 Total 338 
		
	
	Table B shows number of press releases issued each year from 1998 to 2001.
	
		Table B
		
			 Date/Year Number of press releases 
		
		
			 1998 598 
			 1999 605 
			 2000 538 
			 2001 395 
		
	
	All press releases dating from 1998 can be accessed via the Department's website, www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/newslist. Press releases dating before 1998 can be accessed via the Central Office of Information (COI) website, www.newsrelease-archive.net/coi/departments.

Free School Transport

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she has collated on levels of non-attendance by (a) Asian girls, (b) Afro- Caribbean boys, (c) white working class boys and (d) pupils reliant on free school transport.

Ivan Lewis: This level of detail is not available. Information on the number of pupils missing due to authorised or unauthorised absence is collected at school level. The characteristics of individual pupils cannot be identified from these data.

Autism

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to provide appropriate educational facilities for children with autism; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: Local education authorities have a duty to secure sufficient schools in their areas and, in doing so, have regard to the need for securing that special educational provision is made for pupils who have special educational needs, including children with autism. Each year authorities must submit for approval, to the local School Organisation Committee, a School Organisation Plan setting out how they will secure sufficient provision, including the provision proposed for children with special educational needs. Local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships are responsible locally, in association with local education authorities, for early years education and child care provision and are making special educational needs support a priority between 2002–03 and 2004–05.
	Children with autism are benefiting along with all other children from the considerable extra resources this Government have devoted to education, including the three-fold increase in the capital spending on schools from £775 million in 1997–98 to £2.2 billion in 2001–02. The forthcoming guidance from the Department's Autism Working Group will help schools and local education authorities use the available resources to plan and make good quality provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Exclusions

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if her Department will issue guidance to schools as to the circumstances in which (a) permanent exclusion and (b) fixed period exclusion are appropriate for pupils found to be taking or in possession of illegal drugs at school.

Ivan Lewis: Existing guidance on pupil exclusion is contained in Circular 10/99, copies of which are in the Library. My Department will issue revised guidance on exclusion towards the end of this year which will clarify when exclusion is appropriate for incidents connected with illegal drugs including their use and possession in school.
	Drugs have no place in our schools and we recently announced a package of new measures designed to tackle the problem. Details are in my Department's Press Notice of 21 May, copies of which are in the Library.

British Sign Language

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many British Sign Language tutors there are in the UK; and what are their qualifications.

Ivan Lewis: There are no centrally held statistics on the number of British Sign Language tutors. However, inquiries indicate that there are around 800 tutors, but details of the level of qualifications held are not known.

British Sign Language

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to offer British Sign Language as an option for an additional language as a vocational certificate of education or an advanced vocational certificate of education.

Ivan Lewis: Responsibility for offering vocational qualifications, and optional units within those qualifications, lies with the awarding bodies. There are no current plans to offer BSL within Foundation and Intermediate GNVQs, advanced vocational certificates of education, or within the new GCSEs in vocational subjects being introduced in September 2002. However, BSL qualifications are offered by the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP). A range of BSL qualifications offered by CACDP, and included in the Department's list of qualifications approved for use in schools and colleges by pupils and students aged pre-16, 16 to 18 and over 18, will be available from August 2002.

Public Consultation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the public consultations undertaken by her Department since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

Estelle Morris: A table showing the public consultations undertaken by my Department since June 2001 follows as requested. The number of respondents to each consultation is also listed. Information on the percentage of those specifically consulted who subsequently responded is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Start date  Title of consultation Number of responses 
		
		
			 26 June 2001 Professional Duties of Advanced Skills Teachers 32 
			 24 July 2001 Employment of Teachers who have successfully completed their course of teacher training but have not passed their skills test 10 
			 11 June 2001 Teachers' Professional Development—Standards Framework Consultation 53 
			 11 June 2001 Teachers' Professional Development Division—Development Portfolio Consultation 20 
			 9 July 2001 Extending the Use of Parenting Orders 120 
			 30 July 2001 Draft Regulations Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as Amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 202 
			 31 August 2001 Registration and Monitoring of Independent Schools 422 
			 18 September 2001 Consultation on targets for English and mathematics at Key Stage 20 in 2004 206 
			 8 October 2001 City Academies: Arrangements for Pupils with SEN and Disabilities 37 
			 5 October 2001 Expert support for the development of Foundation Stage Practice 166 
			 1 September 2001 White Paper: Consultation on School Admissions 480 
			 1 September 2001 White Paper: Consultation on Exclusion Appeal Panels 220 
			 1 September 2001 White Paper: The Way Forward—A modernised Framework for School Governance 4,385 
			 1 September 2001 Better Beginnings—Improving quality and increasing provision in early years education and child care 315 
			 11 June 2001 Guidance on Producing a Portfolio 49 
			 27 June 2001 Education Development Plans from 2002—draft guidance 85 
			 23 November 2001 Teachers' Pay Reform—Performance Pay Progression Grant 70 
			 6 November 2001 Teaching Fellowship Scheme (Excellence Fellowship Awards) 67 
			 2 November 2001 Consultation on Proposals arising from the Treasury Review of Ill Health Retirement 78 
			 24 September 2001 16–19 Organisation—Organisation and Inspection 332 
			 5 September 2001 Schools White Paper: Achieving Success 73 
			 12 October 2001 Modernisation of Higher Education Student Support 70 
			 25 November 2001 Building a Strategy for Children and Young People—Children's Consultation 518 
			 25 November 2001 Building a Strategy for Children and Young People—Young People's Consultation 643 
			 25 November 2001 Building a Strategy for Children and Young People—Adults 253 
			 18 December 2001 Review of Arts and Humanities Research Funding 117 
			 19 December 2001 Review of Learning Partnerships 138 
			 26 June 2001 July European Commission Memorandum on Lifelong Learning 250 
			 14 January 2002 Accessible Schools: Planning to increase access to schools for disabled pupils 144 
			 30 January 2002 Quinquennial Review of Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) 151 
			 25 February 2002 The Adult Common Basic Data Set 43 
			 24 January 2002 Revised Guidance on Exclusions from School—Draft for Consultation 206 
			 18 February 2002 National Centre for Excellence in Science Teaching 329 
			 4 February 2002 Raising Standards—Training and Development for Leaders and Managers 217 
			 15 March 2002 School Workforce Remodelling Agenda 68 
			 12 February 2002 14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards 1,049 
			 12 February 2002 14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards Summary 2,618 
			 27 February 2002 Early Years and Childcare Regulations 259 
			 14 March 2002 Investors In Children 272 
			 19 March 2002 Publication of School and College Performance Tables in 2002 195

Anglo-Italian Meetings

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on how many occasions in the last six months members of her Department have met their Italian counterparts; and what subjects were discussed.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 16 May 2002
	My officials regularly meet their Italian counterparts at a range of EU fora covering education, lifelong learning and youth.

Equal Treatment

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over the proposed legislation by her Department during the 2000–01 and 2001–02 Sessions; and if their responses have been published.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 22 May 2002
	My Department is keen to include all interested parties in developing policies that affect them. Information on informal consultation is not held centrally. However, the women's organisations which have been formally consulted in writing by this Department since 2000 are as follows:
	Women's National Commission
	British International Women Graduates
	Women in Journalism
	National Alliance of Women's Organisations
	Royal College of Midwives
	Bolton Metro's Corporate Women's Group
	National Council of Women of GB.
	Individual responses are not published but, in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation, are generally made available to anyone who asks for them.

Equal Treatment

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she has established a baseline for policy appraisals against which to measure progress on equal treatment; and what progress has been achieved.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Our approach to ensure progress on equal treatment is to ensure that equality becomes part and parcel of every element of policy, programme and service delivery.
	Our recent mainstreaming review indicated that while we have good equality practices in some areas of the organisation, we could do more in the policy processes to support this. As a result, we have further developed this approach by encouraging all our policy makers to "mainstream" equal opportunities into all programmes and policies. To this end, we have developed a webtool to help them build equality considerations into their work from the outset. The "Fairway" webtool also includes good practice examples showing how some policy teams have taken this forward. Other "equality" measures included:
	Embedding equality into our staff appraisal process;
	Equality processing our business planning and our end of year reviews with the permanent secretary;
	We regularly discuss equality and diversity issues with the senior members of the board and regular meetings between the senior equality adviser and the permanent secretary;
	A yearly Staff survey which has a specific chapter dedicated to equality and diversity issues.
	An example of these actions is that our Connexions Partnerships are required in their business plans to state how they will ensure that personal advisers come from a diversity of backgrounds. The Connexions Service National Unit monitors the diversity of each partnership's personal adviser work force, including gender and ethnicity.
	We publicise all this through our internal communications system and our external DfES website (if appropriate).
	Effective mainstreaming requires policy developers to work in consultation and partnership with organisations representing minority and disadvantaged groups, using research, monitoring and evaluation to understand customer needs and the impact their policies are having on them.
	We will continue to address this and measure our progress.

Equal Treatment

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the subject of each gender impact assessment drawn up by her Department since June 1997, indicating in each case whether the outcome has been (a) put out to consultation and (b) published.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 22 May 2002
	In 1998, in consultation with the Home Office and the former Department for Education and Employment, the Cabinet Office issued Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment (PAET) guidelines to all Government Departments. DfES has intentionally not focused just on gender issues but have focused on a wider range of equality issues.
	Our recent mainstreaming review indicated that while we have good equality practices in some areas of the organisation, we could do more in the policy processes to support this. As a result, we have further developed this approach by encouraging all our policy makers to "mainstream" Equal Opportunities into all programmes and policies. To this end, we have developed a webtool to help them build equality considerations into their work from the outset. The "Fairway" web tool also includes good practice examples showing how some policy teams have taken this forward. Other "equality" measures included:
	Embedding equality into our staff appraisal process;
	Equality processing our business planning and our end of year reviews with the Permanent Secretary;
	We regularly discuss equality and diversity issues with the members of the board and regular meetings between the Senior Equality Adviser and the Permanent Secretary.
	An example of these actions is that our Connexions Partnerships are required in their business plans to state how they will ensure that Personal Advisers come from a diversity of backgrounds. The Connexions Service National Unit monitors the diversity of each partnership's Personal Adviser workforce, including gender and ethnicity.
	We publicise all this through our internal communications system or our external DfES website (if appropriate).
	Effective mainstreaming requires policy developers to work in consultation and partnership with organisations representing minority and disadvantaged groups, using research, monitoring and evaluation to understand customer needs and the impact their policies are having on them.
	We will continue to address this and measure our progress.

Education and Youth Council

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Education and Youth Council held on 30 May.

Ivan Lewis: I attended the Education session of this council. Jane Davidson, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in the National Assembly for Wales, attended the Youth session.
	The Council held a detailed discussion on the follow-up to the Barcelona European Council which took place in March 2002, focusing in particular on the areas of: vocational training; foreign languages and European citizenship; organisational measures; and quality assurance.
	A draft Council Resolution on lifelong learning was agreed without debate and political agreement was reached on a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the council establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004. Ministers also gave political agreement to a proposal for a council decision amending Decision 1999/311/EC adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000–06).
	The council received information from the Commission on a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the council amending Decision No. 253/2000/EC establishing the second phase of the Community action programme in the field of education "Socrates". A report on the outcome of the Summit of Heads of State or Government of the European Union and Latin America, held in Madrid on 17 and 18 May, was presented by the Presidency.
	In the Youth session, the council agreed a draft Resolution on the framework of European co-operation in the youth field. This Resolution will take forward action to implement the proposals within the European Commission's White Paper "A New Impetus for European Youth". Discussion followed on youth participation in society, which is the priority theme of the White Paper. Ministers confirmed the importance of this theme.
	The council received information from the Commission on the need to submit proposals in the next year for a new European Youth Programme to succeed the existing programme which is due to finish in 2006. The Presidency also presented a report on the actions it had taken since January 2002 to progress the youth agenda.
	A copy of the council minutes will be placed in the Library in due course.

Racist Attacks

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she collects by LEA on racially motivated attacks in schools.

David Miliband: Schools are required to record all racial incidents and to report these to their local education authorities annually. Local education authorities and schools are not required to send this information to the Department.

Local Education Authority Targets

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list, for the most recent year in which both sets of information are available, (a) the targets agreed by each LEA with her Department and (b) their performance against those targets.

David Miliband: The Department has agreed pupil performance targets with each LEA for 2002 and 2004. Information on their performance against their 2002 targets will be available when this year's results are published in the autumn.

Departmental Policies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if she will list those initiatives of her Department which have been applied in (a) Lewisham and (b) the Isle of Wight, indicating the level of financial support she has provided in each case and the number of pupils in each LEA;
	(2)  if she will list the activities pursued by her Department that have had a particular impact on the Isle of Wight since 7 June 2001.

Ivan Lewis: Information required has been placed in the Libraries.

Departmental Policies

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the activities pursued by her Department that have had a particular impact on the Wycombe constituency since 17 June 2001.

Ivan Lewis: Information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

PhD Students

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many PhD students are studying in universities in England and Wales, broken down by (a) university and (b) course; and what the equivalent figures were in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: The latest information available has been placed in the Libraries.

Behaviour and Truancy

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the basis is for her statement that £60 million was spent on behaviour and truancy by the last Government.

Ivan Lewis: Grants relating to truancy, disaffection and behaviour between 1992 and 1997 were as follows.
	
		
			 Financial year £ million 
		
		
			 1992–93 5 
			 1993–94 8.9 
			 1994–95 13.7 
			 1995–96 15.4 
			 1996–97 17.5 
			  
			 Total 60.5 
		
	
	This is based on the relevant section of the Grant for Education Support and Training (GEST) which became the Standards Fund from 1998–99. All figures include LEA contributions.

Departmental Sponsors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what the duties are of hon. Members appointed as sponsors to her Department; and what assistance is given by officials in her Department to them in carrying out these duties;
	(2)  which hon. Members have been appointed as sponsors to her Department since 7 June 2001; and when each of them were appointed.

Estelle Morris: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 362W.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 (a) departmental and (b) non- departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Estelle Morris: Between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002, a special adviser in my Department travelled abroad on one occasion at a cost of £376.64. All travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code, and the Civil Service Management Code.

Nurseries

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many nurseries there were; and what proportion of these were located in rural areas, broken down by region in each of the last 10 years.

Margaret Hodge: The information is not available in the form requested. The information available is shown in Tables 1 and 2. The figures are as returned by local authorities.
	The latest figures on day care facilities in England were published by my Department in Statistical Bulletin 08/01 "Children's Day Care facilities at 31 March 2001" in October 2001, a copy of which is available from the Library. An electronic copy of this publication is also available on my Department's website (http:// www.dfes.gov.uk/statistics).
	Statistics are collected at local education authority level, not split between urban and rural areas. Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs) are responsible for ensuring full coverage of both urban and rural areas within their areas of remit. EYDCPs have been set up in every local authority area of England.
	To maximise the support available in rural areas, an additional £22 million has been allocated for a round of smaller Sure Start programmes, delivered through EYDCPs. These new Mini-Sure Starts will provide additional resources to new neighbourhood nurseries and existing child care facilities in rural areas, small towns, and pockets of disadvantage enabling them to offer a wider range of family support.
	To date plans for Mini-Sure Starts show that over 65 per cent. of the programmes will be integrated with a neighbourhood nursery, helping to ensure families most in need have access to quality, affordable child care though neighbourhood nurseries and the additional services provided by Sure Start.
	
		Table 1: Number of day nurseries for children under eight—England, 1992–2001 -- Position at 31 March each year
		
			 Year as at 31 March Total number of day nurseries 
		
		
			 1992 4,100 
			 1993 4,500 
			 1994 5,000 
			 1995 5,400 
			 1996 5,700 
			 1997 6,100 
			 1998 6,700 
			 1999 7,000 
			 2000 7,500 
			 2001 7,800 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Includes facilities provided by voluntary organisations under agency arrangements, under section 22 of the National Health Service Act 1946.
	2. Data collection guidance changed in 1999.
	
		Table 2: Providers in day nurseries by Government office region—England, 1999–2001 -- Positions at 31 March each year
		
			   All day nurseries  
			  1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 England 7,000 7,500 7,800 
			 North East 190 190 220 
			 North West and Merseyside North West 840 910 940 
			 Merseyside 240 200 250 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 700 690 710 
			 East Midlands 560 660 550 
			 West Midlands 870 900 970 
			 East of England 570 610 600 
			 
			 Greater London
			 Inner London 610 650 680 
			 Outer London 550 600 620 
			 
			 South East 1,100 1,240 1,400 
			 South West 770 900 910 
		
	
	Note:
	1. All figures are estimates and have been rounded to the nearest 10 or 100 as appropriate. Figures may not add to totals because of rounding.

Pupil Referral

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many places will be available in pupil referral units for pupils of each age cohort in each local education authority in September.

Ivan Lewis: I am confident that by September 2002 there will be sufficient places within pupil referral units and other alternative education provision for all those who have been permanently excluded. A breakdown of the number of places within pupil referral units is not held, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Parliamentary Questions

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of ordinary written questions for her Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001.

Estelle Morris: The details requested are contained in the following table.
	
		Percentage 
		
			  Named day PQs Ordinary written PQs 
		
		
			 2001   
			 June 60 88 
			 July 73 84 
			 October 45 48 
			 November 48 45 
			 December 38 56 
			
			 2002   
			 January 60 60 
			 February 48 26 
			 March 49 33 
			 April 23 56 
			 May 57 38

Staff Pay

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what have been the total salary costs of each of the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested is listed in the table below.
	
		£ million 
		
			 NDPB 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Adult Learning Inspectorate n/a n/a n/a n/a 8.00 
			 British Educational Communications and Technology Agency 2.52 2.42 2.73 3.11 3.22 
			 Construction Industry Training Board(66) 18.71 19.98 21.15 23.21 26.73 
			 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board(66) 1.05 1.04 1.27 1.29 1.34 
			 Higher Education Funding Council 5.06 5.13 6.05 6.90 (67)7.31 
			 Investors in People UK Ltd. 0.80 0.88 1.01 1.09 1.31 
			 Learning and Skills Council n/a n/a n/a n/a 136.00 
			 National College for School Leadership n/a n/a n/a n/a 2.22 
			 Qualifications and Curriculum Authority n/a 14.27 15.08 15.51 (67)17.57 
			 Student Loans Company 5.62 6.80 9.35 10.42 11.74 
			 Teacher Training Agency 2.45 2.84 3.03 3.63 (67)4.90 
		
	
	(66) The ITB's financial year ends 31 December
	(67) Figure not yet audited

Staff Pay

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in her Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested for 2001–02 is listed in the table. The information for 2002–03 increases is not yet available.
	
		2001–02 pay increase
		
			   £ million 
		
		
			 Department for Education and Skills NDPBs 3.53 
			 Adult Learning Inspectorate 0.30 
			 British Educational Communications and Technology Agency 0.10 
			 Construction Industry Training Board 0.76 
			 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board 0.06 
			 Higher Education Funding Council for England 0.28 
			 Investors in People UK Ltd. 0.03 
			 Learning and Skills Council 2.55 
			 National College for School Leadership 0.19 
			 Qualifications and Curriculum Authority 0.43 
			 Student Loans Company 0.68 
			 Teacher Training Agency 0.16

Teachers' Pay

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to reduce the pay gap between school teachers and college lecturers.

Margaret Hodge: Teachers in maintained schools are subject to national schoolteachers' pay and conditions. Further education sector colleges are run by independent corporations established under the Further Education and Higher Education Act 1992 and there is no national pay structure in place. Colleges are free to establish pay scales that meet their needs and can be agreed with their staff. This Government have acknowledged the historic funding gap between schools and FE and we have pledged to bring up levels of funding and ensure upward convergence over time. Annual funding for FE has increased by over £1.1 billion between 1997 and 2002–03, up to around £4.3 billion. With a further increase of £300 million planned next year, the real terms increase in total funding between 1997 and 2003–04 will be 26 per cent. The Teaching Pay Initiative (TPI) budget is £311 million over the period 2001–04. This is to reward excellent teaching and is over and above any general pay rise. The additional investment we are making in the FE sector should help meet the pay aspirations of their staff.

Further Education

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what strategy she has in place to recruit and train new staff in further education colleges.

Margaret Hodge: We are supporting colleges' recruitment strategies by making available over £310 million from 2001 to 2004 through the Teaching Pay Initiative, so that colleges can reward high quality teaching. From September this year, new teachers in shortage subject areas may qualify for payments of £4,000 under the "Golden Hellos" initiative and later this year, subject to the passing of legislation by Parliament, we will introduce a pilot scheme to help to pay off, over time, the student loans of newly appointed teachers in shortage subjects in England and Wales.
	We are supporting the professional development of FE teachers and staff through targeted assistance to colleges of £175 million in 2002–03 from the LSC's Learning and Skills Standards Fund. We have also introduced training bursaries for FE teachers in pilot institutions.
	Recruiting and training new staff is just one element of the Government's plans to improve the quality and responsiveness of further education. We have therefore started a debate with the sector and will announce later this year our proposals for implementing a strategy, supported by the outcomes of the Spending Review, to raise standards and performance and meet employer and skill needs.

Further Education

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans the Government have to change the balance in pay levels between further education colleges and secondary schools.

Margaret Hodge: Teachers in maintained schools are subject to national schoolteachers' pay and conditions. Further education sector colleges are run by independent corporations established under the Further Education and Higher Education Act 1992 and there is no national pay structure in place. Colleges are free to establish pay scales that meet their needs and can be agreed with their staff. This Government has acknowledged the historic funding gap between schools and FE and we have pledged to bring up levels of funding and ensure upward convergence over time. Annual funding for FE has increased by over £1.1 billion between 1997 and 02–03, up to around £4.3 billion. With a further increase of £300 million planned next year, the real terms increase in total funding between 1997 and 03–04 will be 26 per cent. The Teaching Pay Initiative (TPI) budget is £311 million over the period 2001–04. This is to reward excellent teaching and is over and above any general pay rise. The additional investment we are making in the FE sector should help meet the pay aspirations of their staff.

Further Education

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many further education colleges have not implemented the 2001 pay award for further education lecturers.

Margaret Hodge: The Department does not collect this information centrally. However, we understand from the Association of Colleges that 17 per cent. of colleges have not implemented the 3.7 per cent. pay award recommended by the Association of Colleges and the trade unions. However, 73 per cent. of colleges paid the recommended 3.7 per cent. pay award and 10 per cent. of colleges exceeded the 3.7 per cent. pay award.

Further Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many additional places for 16 to 19 year old students in full-time further education will be created in Warrington in 2003; and what the average cost per student of funding those additional places will be.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 16 May 2002
	The information requested is subject to funding negotiations between colleges and local LSCS that will conclude later this year.

Tuition Fees

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of those students in higher education who carry the post code premium were assessed to pay (a) full tuition fees and (b) no tuition fees in each of the last three calendar years.

Margaret Hodge: Information as requested is not collected centrally.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many employees of her Department retired through work-related ill health in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost to the Department was.

Ivan Lewis: The Department for Education and Skills does not maintain records that enable ill health retirements to be separately identified as work related. For the Department for Education and Skills the number of staff retired with a medical retirement certificate issued by the civil service pension scheme medical adviser for the year 2001 was eight.
	Benefits provided on medical retirement are as set out in the rules of the principal civil service pension scheme and laid before Parliament, and provide for an immediate payment of enhanced pension and lump sum. Ill health retirement is met centrally from the civil superannuation vote. For the year ending March 2002, provisional expenditure met from the vote was £310 million in respect of all civil service cases for which an ill health pension has been awarded. These cases number approximately 67,000 and include those who have formerly been ill health retired but who have now reached and exceeded the normal retirement age.

Sixth Forms (Hendon)

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what amounts were allocated for sixth forms to each of the secondary schools in Hendon for academic year 2001–02; and what amounts are being allocated by the Learning and Skills Council for sixth forms to each of the secondary schools in Hendon for academic year 2002–03; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The information for 2001–02 is not available in the format requested. From April this year the Learning and Skills Council allocates funds to LEAs, including Barnet, for their sixth forms. The LSC allocations for each school sixth form, by LEA area, are published on the LSC's website at www.lsc.gov.uk/ documents.

Nursery Provision (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many nursery staff have been in service in Lancashire in each year since 1997.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The available information for maintained nursery and primary schools is shown in the table. Information is not available for early years settings in the private, voluntary and independent sectors.
	
		Full-time equivalent of staff in maintained nursery schools and nursery classes in maintained primary schools in Lancashire(68)
		
			  1997(69) 1998(69) 
		
		
			 Maintained nursery schools   
			 Teachers(70) 99.5 97.41 
			 Teaching assistants(71) 134.05 140.93 
			 Administrative staff(72) 14.92 14.92 
			 Other staff(73) 0.08 0.24 
			 Nursery classes in maintained primary schools(74)   
			 Teaching assistants in nursery classes(71) 101.93 106.49 
			 Other education support staff in nursery classes 3.61 5.98 
		
	
	
		
			  Lancashire Blackburn with Darwen Blackpool 
		
		
			 1999(75)
			 Maintained nursery schools
			 Teachers(70) 74.78 22.92 (76)— 
			 Teaching assistants(71) 114.16 37.46 (76)— 
			 Administrative staff(72) 11.53 3.31 (76)— 
			 Other staff(73) 0 0.08 (76)— 
			 Nursery classes in maintained primary schools(74)
			 Teaching assistants in nursery classes(71) 83.76 16.16 9.59 
			 Other education support staff in nursery classes 4.03 0.59 0 
			   
			 2000(75)
			 Maintained nursery schools
			 Teachers(70) 77.69 25 (76)— 
			 Teaching assistants(71) 112.1 38.19 (76)— 
			 Administrative staff(72) 11.55 3.59 (76)— 
			 Other staff(73) 0 0.08 (76)— 
			 Nursery classes in maintained primary schools(74)
			 Teaching assistants in nursery classes(71) 77.91 17.11 9.16 
			 Other education support staff in nursery classes 6.11 0 0 
			   
			 2001(75)
			 Maintained nursery schools
			 Teachers(70) 72.2 19.45 (76)— 
			 Teaching assistants(71) 108.97 38.91 (76)— 
			 Administrative staff(72) 11.69 3.56 (76)— 
			 Other staff(73) 0 0.08 (76)— 
			 Nursery classes in maintained primary schools(74)
			 Teaching assistants in nursery classes(71) 75.61 18.6 9.79 
			 Other education support staff in nursery classes 6.94 0.35 0.89 
			   
			 2002 (provisional)(75),(77)
			 Maintained nursery schools
			 Teachers(70) 69.51 19.09 (76)— 
			 Teaching assistants(71) 103.31 40.18 (76)— 
			 Administrative staff(72) 13.09 3.7 (76)— 
			 Other staff(73) 0.32 0.08 (76)— 
			 Nursery classes in maintained primary schools(74)
			 Teaching assistants in nursery classes(71) (78)— (78)— (78)— 
			 Other education support staff in nursery classes (78)— (78)— (78)— 
		
	
	(68) Position in January each year.
	(69) Before local government reorganisation.
	(70) Includes head teacher, qualified and unqualified teachers.
	(71) Includes nursery assistants, special needs support staff, minority ethnic pupil support staff and non-teaching assistants.
	(72) Includes secretaries and bursars.
	(73) Includes other education support staff.
	(74) There may also be teachers in nursery classes but it is not possible to separate these from the overall primary school figures.
	(75) After local government reorganisation.
	(76) Not applicable (no schools of this type).
	(77) It is not possible to separate the number of teaching assistants or other staff in nursery classes from the overall primary school figures.
	(78) Not available.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

National Child Care Strategy

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will indicate the proposals in the national child care strategy which will most benefit Londoners.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The Government aims, over time, to ensure affordable, accessible, good quality child care in every neighbourhood, and to ensure a good quality free early education place for every three and four year old. Londoners are benefiting from the range of measures within the national child care strategy. For example: between 1997 and 2001, 122,000 new child care places have been created in London; in financial year 2002–03 we will pay some £16.7 million in child care grant to London local education authorities to support further development of new child care places; and we are targeting disadvantaged areas in London for 9,060 new neighbourhood nurseries places over the three years to March 2004, with total revenue support of some £39.9 million and capital support of some £16.9 million.

National Child Care Strategy

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will report on progress with the child care strategy.

John Denham: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The consultation on our document, "Building a Strategy for Children and Young People" generated a good range of comments which we are now considering. Separate reports analysing the responses from children and from young people are already available from the Children and Young People's Unit's website at "www.cypu.gov.uk/ consultationresults." The Unit is currently analysing the responses from the consultation with individual adults and organisations, and this report will follow shortly.
	The responses have already been fed into the consideration of services for children in the current spending review. We intend to publish our final strategy document later this year.

Assisted Places

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students are on assisted places in the 2001–02 academic year; how much is being spent on these places; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: There are 12,550 pupils holding places under the Assisted Places Scheme in the 2001–02 academic year at a total estimated cost of £53 million in that year. We are phasing out the scheme in accordance with our 1997 manifesto pledge and using the resources saved to reduce infant class sizes.

Departmental Budgets

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of her Department's budgets for the current financial year remain unallocated; and under what budget headings this money falls.

Estelle Morris: £30 million of the Department's 2002–03 budget remains unallocated. This is currently held under the departmental unallocated provision.

Print and Design Costs

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department spent on print and design costs in 2001–02.

Ivan Lewis: The majority of the Department's print and design is commissioned by its Publicity Division.
	The costs of such work placed in the last financial year are as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 Print 7.2 
			 Design 2.6 
			  
			 Total 9.8

Regional Organisation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what regional organisation her Department has; and if she will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Ivan Lewis: The Department for Education and Skills works at the regional level through the Government offices for the regions. There are nine Government offices in England: south-east, south-west, London, east of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, north-west, and north-east. The Government offices are funded by nine sponsor Departments: the Department for Education and Skills; the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Department of Trade and Industry; the Department for Work and Pensions; the Home Office; the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; the Department of Health; and Cabinet Office. The Regional Co-ordination Unit based in the Cabinet Office has overall responsibility for the Government office network.
	The Department commissions Government offices to deliver a range of regionally focused services across the DfES agenda from early years to adult learning. Government offices also ensure that the Department's work is joined up with the regional implementation of programmes and policies of all sponsor Departments, and with the work of regional stakeholders.

Higher Education Funding

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to raise the 10 per cent. postcode premium recognised in higher education funding to 20 per cent.

Margaret Hodge: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is reviewing the funding it allocates to higher education institutions to recognise the additional costs of recruiting and retaining students from non-traditional backgrounds (the 'postcode premium'). HEFCE is consulting institutions on widening participation; this includes consultation on the appropriate basis on which the postcode premium is allocated. The deadline for institutions to respond is 19 July.
	Plans for spending in future years will depend on the outcome of the spending review.

Scottish Executive

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many times her Office has made representations to the Scottish Executive since May 1999 broken down by (a) Department approached, (b) subject and (c) date;
	(2)  how many representations the Scottish Executive has made to her Department since May 1999 broken down by (a) Scottish Executive Department, (b) subject and (c) date;
	(3)  what plans she has to transfer the administration of reserved powers and functions of the Department for Education and Skills, its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies within its remit from her Department to the Scotland Office.

Estelle Morris: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 600W.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the mandate of the Tempus Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The purpose and responsibilities of the Tempus Committee are set out in Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29 April 1999, which established the third phase of the Tempus programme (Tempus III). The Committee has met twice over the last 12 months. Two officials from the UK attend the Committee meetings. Travel costs for one official are met from Commission resources for the programme. Travel costs for the second official and subsistence costs for both officials, incurred by this Department and the Department for Work and Pensions, are in the region of £1,420 per annum. The Committee is currently considering implications for the programme guide for applicants of the Commission's proposal to extend the programme to countries of the MEDA region.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of such committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every such committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the mandate of the Co-ordination Group to promote uniformity of application of the general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas (first general system) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: I have been asked to reply.
	The mandate for this Group is set out in Article 9 (2) of Directive 89/48 EEC as follows:
	A co-ordinating group shall be set up under the aegis of the Commission, composed of the co-ordinators appointed by each Member State or their deputies and chaired by a representative of the Commission. The task of this group shall be
	to facilitate the implementation of this Directive,
	to collect all useful information for its application in Member States.
	The group may be consulted by the Commission on any changes to the existing system that may be contemplated.
	The group meets twice yearly and the UK is represented by a DTI official. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
	The main issues/topics considered at the last meeting were:
	Proposed legislative reforms of the system of recognition of professional qualifications;
	State of accession negotiations;
	Information points from the Education and Culture DG;
	Mobilisation of experts in the context of enlargement;
	Notification of the measures transposing Directive 99/42.
	Steps are being taken to increase the accountability and transparency of comitology committees in general. Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Com(2001)783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Social Exclusion Unit

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answer from the Deputy Prime Minister of 20 July 2001, Official Report, columns 461–62W on the Social Exclusion Unit, in which schools targets have been set for the reduction of truancy and which schools have met those targets; in what proportion of schools truancy was more than three per cent. above average in 2001 and what the current proportion is; and how many schools fall into each decile measured by the proportion of pupils days lost through (a) unauthorised absence and (b) all absence in the most recent year for which information is available.

Ivan Lewis: In 1999 225 schools were asked to set targets to reduce unauthorised absence. These schools had unauthorised absence three percentage points or more above the average for their sector (primary, secondary or special) for the previous two academic years. Locally determined school level targets were agreed by the school's governing body in close discussion with the education welfare service. 117 schools met the targets that they set for themselves and in total 181 (80 per cent.) decreased their unauthorised absence rate.
	In the academic year 2000–01 326 schools recorded absence three percentage points or more above the national average for their sector (0.5 per cent. for primary schools; 1.1 per cent. for secondary schools and 2.2 per cent. for special schools). These are the most recent published results.
	It is impossible to calculate meaningful deciles due to the limited range of the data.

Overtime Payments

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on overtime payments for staff in her Department.

Ivan Lewis: The information is as follows:
	Grades AA to SEO
	Grades AA to SEO working overtime Monday to Friday receive payment at time and a half or time off equal to the hours worked. Weekend and public holiday overtime attracts either payment at plain time plus time off equal to the hours worked, or payment at double time.
	Grades 6 and 7
	Once at least eight additional hours are worked in a week, grades 6 and 7 receive a set hourly discretionary payment for additional hours worked outside normal conditioned hours during the week and for additional hours at the weekend. The hourly rates are:
	Grade 7
	London: £11.72
	Elsewhere: £10.89
	Grade 6
	London: £12.98
	Elsewhere: £12.42.
	For weekend and public holiday attendance they also receive an hourly rate payment (restricted to the discretionary payment rates) plus time off equal to the hours worked. Time off not taken for the weekend attendance can be used towards the eight hours qualifying for discretionary payments.
	SCS
	Members of the senior civil service are not eligible for payment for any extra hours worked. Their contract of employment provides that they may be required to work such additional hours as may from time to time be reasonable and necessary for the efficient performance of their duties.

Vocational Qualifications

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 895W, and with reference to Sir Gareth Robert's Review 'Set for Success—The supply of people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills', if vocational qualifications are treated as non-academic.

Ivan Lewis: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) accredit qualifications in relation to three broad categories, general, vocationally-related and occupational. GCSEs in vocational subjects are available and suitable for young people of all abilities, and are categorised as vocationally-related. Other vocational qualifications are categorised according to the published QCA criteria as either occupational or vocationally- related. National curriculum GCSEs and GCE A-levels are categorised as general qualifications.

Vocational/Academic GCSEs

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 895W, how (a) vocational and (b) academic GCSEs are defined.

Ivan Lewis: GCSE qualifications are defined by accreditation criteria set out in the national qualification framework. For new GCSEs in vocational subjects, the qualifications meet the common accreditation criteria for vocationally-related qualifications; for other GCSEs, the common accreditation criteria for general qualifications.
	In addition to meeting common criteria, the qualifications must meet additional criteria, specific to GCSEs and GCSEs in vocational subjects, and, where they exist, the requirements of the criteria specific to particular subjects.

Public Bodies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which of the agencies and NDPBs sponsored by her Department have a regional organisation; and if she will list the counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002.

Ivan Lewis: The Department for Education and Skills sponsors no agencies or NDPBs that have a regional organisation.
	The counties and unitary authorities in each region in (a) 1997 and (b) 2002 are as follows:
	Region, counties and unitaries
	The unitary authorities that came into being as a result of the last review were established over three years.
	East of England Region
	Counties
	Bedfordshire
	Cambridgeshire
	Essex
	Hertfordshire
	Norfolk
	Suffolk
	Unitaries
	Luton 1
	Peterborough 1
	Southend-on-Sea 1
	Thurrock 1
	East Midlands Region
	Counties
	Derbyshire
	Leicestershire
	Lincolnshire
	Northamptonshire
	Nottinghamshire
	Unitaries
	Derby 1
	Leicester 1
	Nottingham 1
	Rutland 1
	North East Region
	Counties
	Durham
	Northumberland
	Unitaries
	Darlington 1
	Hartlepool
	Middlesbrough
	Redcar and Cleveland
	Stockton-on-Tees
	Tyne and Wear (Met)
	Gateshead
	Newcastle upon Tyne
	North Tyneside
	South Tyneside
	Sunderland
	North West Region
	Counties
	Cumbria
	Cheshire
	Lancashire
	Unitaries
	Blackburn with Darwen 1
	Blackpool 1
	Halton 1
	Warrington 1
	Greater Manchester (Met)
	Bury
	Bolton
	Manchester
	Oldham
	Rochdale
	Salford
	Stockport
	Tameside
	Trafford
	Wigan
	Merseyside (Met)
	Knowsley
	Liverpool
	Sefton
	St. Helens
	Wirral
	South East Region
	Counties
	Buckinghamshire
	Oxfordshire
	East Sussex
	Hampshire
	Kent
	Surrey
	West Sussex
	Unitaries
	Brighton and Hove 1
	Isle of Wight (County)
	Medway 1
	Milton Keynes 1
	Portsmouth 1
	Southampton 1
	Berkshire
	Bracknell Forest 1
	Reading 1
	Slough 1
	West Berkshire 1
	Windsor and Maidenhead 1
	Wokingham 1
	South West Region
	Counties
	Cornwall
	Devon
	Dorset
	Gloucestershire
	Somerset
	Wiltshire
	Unitaries
	Bath and North East Somerset
	Bournemouth 1
	Bristol
	North Somerset
	Poole 1
	Plymouth 1
	South Gloucestershire
	Swindon 1
	Torbay 1
	West Midlands Region
	Counties
	Shropshire
	Staffordshire
	Warwickshire
	Worcestershire
	Unitaries
	Herefordshire 1
	Stoke on Trent 1
	Telford and Wrekin 1
	West Midlands (Met)
	Birmingham
	Coventry
	Dudley
	Sandwell
	Solihull
	Walsall
	Wolverhampton
	Yorkshire and The Humber Region
	Counties
	North Yorkshire
	Unitaries
	East Riding of Yorkshire
	Kingston upon Hull
	North Lincolnshire
	North East Lincolnshire
	York
	South Yorkshire (Met)
	Barnsley
	Doncaster
	Rotherham
	Sheffield
	West Yorkshire (Met)
	Bradford
	Calderdale
	Kirklees
	Leeds
	Wakefield
	London Region
	London Boroughs (Unitaries)
	Barking and Dagenham
	Barnet
	Bexley
	Brent
	Bromley
	Camden
	Corporation of London
	Croydon
	Ealing
	Enfield
	Greenwich
	Hackney
	Hammersmith and Fulham
	Haringey
	Harrow
	Havering
	Hillingdon
	Hounslow
	Islington
	Kensington and Chelsea
	Kingston upon Thames
	Lambeth
	Lewisham
	Merton
	Newham
	Redbridge
	Richmond upon Thames
	Southwark
	Sutton
	Tower Hamlets
	Waltham Forest
	Wandsworth
	Westminster
	1 Established on or after 1 April 1997.

Special Needs

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what types of specific (a) handicap and (b) special needs are defined as constituting special needs; and how many children there are with each specific type of handicap.

Ivan Lewis: The guidance contained in the new SEN Code of Practice, which came into force in January 2002, does not assume that there are hard and fast categories of special educational need. It recognises that each child is unique and the questions asked by LEAs should recognise that there is a wide spectrum of special educational needs that are frequently inter-related, although there are also specific needs that usually relate directly to particular types of impairment. Children will have needs and requirements which may fall into at least one of four areas, and many children will have inter- related needs. The impact of these combinations on the child's ability to function, learn and succeed should be taken into account. The areas of need are: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; behaviour, emotional and social development and sensory and/or physical.
	Information on numbers of children with specific types of handicap is not available centrally. The Department is considering introducing a requirement for schools and local education authorities to provide this information from 2004.

Special Needs

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children with special educational needs there are at each of stages one to four of the Code of Practice.

Ivan Lewis: Information is not collected in the form requested. Information on the stages of SEN was collected for the first time in January 2002 but in line with the new SEN Code of Practice which replaced the categorisation of SEN into stages 1–5.
	The number of SEN pupils without statements in maintained primary schools in England was 865,140 (or 19.8 per cent of pupils on roll) and 536,810 (or 16.5 per cent of pupils on roll) in maintained secondary schools in January 2002.

Special Needs

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children have been statemented in Gloucestershire in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		Number of pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN)(79), Gloucestershire local education authority(80) (position in January each year)
		
			 Year Total pupils Number of pupils with statements of SEN 
		
		
			 1992 75,244 1,476 
			 1993 76,873 1,756 
			 1994 78,447 2,114 
			 1995 80,267 2,240 
			 1996 81,527 2,431 
			 1997 82,630 2,480 
			 1998 83,496 2,472 
			 1999 84,586 2,487 
			 2000 85,407 2,623 
			 2001(81) 85,695 2,561 
			 2002(82) 85,972 2,343 
		
	
	(79) Includes maintained primary and secondary and maintained and non-maintained special schools.
	(80) Pupils attending schools within Gloucestershire LEA.
	(81) Information submitted by some schools in January 2001 was known to be incomplete and estimates were made at national and regional level to allow for this. Figures shown for Gloucestershire LEA are, however, not adjusted and are as reported to the Department.
	(82) Provisional.
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census

Special Needs

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children with statements of special educational need were taught in (a) maintained special schools and (b) other maintained schools in each of the last five years, broken down by local education authority.

Ivan Lewis: A table showing the available information has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Class Sizes

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average class size was in (a) schools and (b) secondary schools broken down by school year and local education authority in each year since 1997.

David Miliband: holding answer 10 April 2002
	A table showing the available information has been placed in the Library.

HEALTH

NHS Finance

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from health authorities, PCTs and NHS trusts about the obligation to fund NICE-approved treatments.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 25 March 2002
	According to the Department's records we have received no formal representations from health authorities, primary care trusts and national health service trusts about the statutory requirements to fund treatments recommended by National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

NHS Costs

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the percentage changes in (a) all NHS costs and (b) NHS drugs costs in each of the past five years.

Hazel Blears: The table sets out the percentage increases in the last five years for national health service drugs expenditure and total net NHS expenditure.
	
		Percentage 
		
			  Expenditure  
			  FHS drugs HCHS drugs Total NHS drugs  Total net NHS 
		
		
			 1997–98 8.2 13.2 9.3 5.1 
			 1998–99 6.2 11.3 7.3 5.6 
			 1999–2000 11.4 13.0 11.7 8.9 
			 2000–01 6.8 11.8 7.9 9.7 
			 2001–02 (83)— (83)— (83)— 12.0 
		
	
	(83) Not available

Dental Amalgam

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will commission research to ascertain whether the kinetics of mercury determined from occupational studies are applicable to patients with dental amalgam restorations;
	(2)  if he will commission research to assess the likelihood of harm to pregnant women and their babies from dental amalgam fillings during pregnancy.

Hazel Blears: The 1998 European Union expert report concluded that currently available data indicate that mercury from dental amalgam restorations will not cause an unacceptable health risk to the general population. There is little evidence that an unacceptable health risk is associated with occupational exposure of dental personnel providing due care is used in the preparation and handling of dental amalgam. The same report also concluded that there is no scientific evidence that the use of dental amalgam is related to adverse effects on pre and post-natal health or fertility. There are therefore no plans to commission further research into amalgam safety. However, it remains the Department's advice that dentists should continue to avoid or delay any dental intervention or medication during pregnancy.

NHS Dentistry

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the population of England was registered with an NHS dentist in each year since 1992, broken down by (a) region and (b) health authority.

Hazel Blears: Arrangements are now in place to ensure that patients can gain access to national health service services simply by calling NHS Direct. This means that even if a patient chooses not to register with a dentist it will still be possible for that patient to access all forms of dentistry that are provided by the NHS.
	The following information has been placed in the Library:
	The percentage of the population registered with a general dental service (GDS) dentist by regional health authority is shown in table 1 for England at 30 September 1992 to 1995.
	The percentage of population registered with a GDS dentist by regional office is shown in table 2 for England at 30 September for each year since 1996.
	The percentage of population registered with a GDS dentist by family health service authority is shown in table 3 for England at 30 September 1992 to 30 September 1995.
	The percentage of population registered with a GDS dentist by health authority is shown in table 4 for England at 30 September for each year since 1996.
	Registrations were first introduced in October 1990. From September 1996, the registration period was changed from 24 months to 15 months for adults, and from 12 months to 15 months for children. As a result of this, data held on registration numbers after 1997 are not comparable to earlier years. The data may also be affected by gradual improvements in the methods used for the removal of duplicate registration records, which were first employed by the dental practice board in 1993.
	Some patients choose not to register, and can be seen under occasional treatment arrangements, which were introduced last year.

NHS Dentistry

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there are per head of population in (a) Boston and Skegness, (b) Lincolnshire and (c) each other English county.

Hazel Blears: The total number of national health service dentists per 10,000 population in England at 30 September 2001 is shown in the table for each health authority.
	The number of NHS dentists in Boston and Skegness, Lincolnshire county and by English county is not available.
	The number of NHS dentists includes general dental service (GDS) dentists, dentists working in the salaried services of the GDS, hospital and community dentists and personal dental service (PDS) dentists. The figures are on a headcount basis rather than whole time equivalent (wte) and take no account of part-time working.
	Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service apart from dentists working in both PDS and GDS who are counted in the GDS only.
	Dentists working solely in private dentistry are not covered in these figures.
	
		Total number of dentists per 10,000 population by health authority at 30 September 2001—England
		
			 Health authority Total dentists per 10,000 population(84) 
		
		
			 England 4.5 
			   
			 Avon 5.5 
			 Barking and Havering 4.2 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 5.0 
			 Barnsley 3.2 
			 Bedfordshire 4.5 
			 Berkshire 4.5 
			 Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 4.6 
			 Birmingham 5.1 
			 Bradford 3.8 
			 Brent and Harrow 5.4 
			 Buckinghamshire 5.2 
			 Bury and Rochdale 3.7 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 4.0 
			 Cambridgeshire 4.3 
			 Camden and Islington 9.4 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 5.3 
			 County Durham and Darlington 2.9 
			 Coventry 4.0 
			 Croydon 5.2 
			 Doncaster 3.7 
			 Dorset 4.5 
			 Dudley 3.4 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 5.5 
			 East Kent 4.0 
			 East Lancashire 4.2 
			 East London and The City 5.0 
			 East Riding and Hull 3.6 
			 East Surrey 4.8 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 4.8 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 3.9 
			 Gloucestershire 5.1 
			 Herefordshire 5.7 
			 Hertfordshire 5.2 
			 Hillingdon 4.2 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and SE Hampshire 4.5 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 6.3 
			 Kingston and Richmond 5.6 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 6.4 
			 Leeds 5.0 
			 Leicestershire 3.5 
			 Lincolnshire 3.1 
			 Liverpool 5.6 
			 Manchester 7.5 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 5.5 
			 Morecambe Bay 4.6 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 6.2 
			 Norfolk 4.2 
			 North and East Devon 4.8 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 4.1 
			 North Cheshire 4.3 
			 North Cumbria 4.0 
			 North Derbyshire 3.7 
			 North Essex 3.9 
			 North Nottinghamshire 3.3 
			 North Staffordshire 3.1 
			 North West Lancashire 4.3 
			 North Yorkshire 5.0 
			 Northamptonshire 3.2 
			 Northumberland 3.4 
			 Nottingham 4.0 
			 Oxfordshire 5.0 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 4.4 
			 Rotherham 3.6 
			 Salford and Trafford 4.1 
			 Sandwell 4.0 
			 Sefton 4.5 
			 Sheffield 5.4 
			 Shropshire 4.1 
			 Solihull 3.9 
			 Somerset 4.2 
			 South and West Devon 5.6 
			 South Cheshire 4.6 
			 South Derbyshire 3.8 
			 South Essex 3.8 
			 South Humber 3.2 
			 South Lancashire 3.9 
			 South Staffordshire 3.6 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire 5.1 
			 St. Helens and Knowsley 3.9 
			 Stockport 4.5 
			 Suffolk 3.8 
			 Sunderland 4.1 
			 Tees 4.5 
			 Wakefield 3.8 
			 Walsall 2.7 
			 Warwickshire 3.9 
			 West Kent 4.3 
			 West Pennine 3.6 
			 West Surrey 6.1 
			 West Sussex 5.1 
			 Wigan and Bolton 3.6 
			 Wiltshire 4.5 
			 Wirral 5.0 
			 Wolverhampton 3.9 
			 Worcestershire 4.2 
		
	
	(84) ONS 2000 mid year population estimates based on the 1991 census

NHS Dentistry

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there are per head of population in (a) the Chesham and Amersham constituency, (b) Buckinghamshire and (c) each other English county.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected in the form requested but by health authority (HA), many of which are coterminous with county boundaries. The total number of national health service dentists per 10,000 in England at 30 September 2001 is shown in the table for each HA.
	The number of NHS dentists includes general dental service (GDS) dentists, dentists working in the salaried services of the GDS, hospital and community dentists and personal dental service (PDS) dentists. The figures are on a head count bases rather than whole time equivalent (wte) and take no account of part-time working.
	Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service apart from dentists working in both PDS and GDS who are counted in the GDS only.
	Dentists working solely in private dentistry are not covered in these figures.
	
		Total number of dentists per 10,000 population by health authority at 30 September 2001
		
			 Health authority Total dentists per 10,000 population(85) 
		
		
			 England 4.5 
			 Avon 5.5 
			 Barking and Havering 4.2 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 5.0 
			 Barnsley 3.2 
			 Bedfordshire 4.5 
			 Berkshire 4.5 
			 Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 4.6 
			 Birmingham 5.1 
			 Bradford 3.8 
			 Brent and Harrow 5.4 
			 Buckinghamshire 5.2 
			 Bury and Rochdale 3.7 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 4.0 
			 Cambridgeshire 4.3 
			 Camden and Islington 9.4 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 5.3 
			 County Durham and Darlington 2.9 
			 Coventry 4.0 
			 Croydon 5.2 
			 Doncaster 3.7 
			 Dorset 4.5 
			 Dudley 3.4 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 5.5 
			 East Kent 4.0 
			 East Lancashire 4.2 
			 East London and the City 5.0 
			 East Riding and Hull 3.6 
			 East Surrey 4.8 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 4.8 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 3.9 
			 Gloucestershire 5.1 
			 Herefordshire 5.7 
			 Hertfordshire 5.2 
			 Hillingdon 4.2 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and SE Hampshire 4.5 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 6.3 
			 Kingston and Richmond 5.6 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 6.4 
			 Leeds 5.0 
			 Leicestershire 3.5 
			 Lincolnshire 3.1 
			 Liverpool 5.6 
			 Manchester 7.5 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 5.5 
			 Morecambe Bay 4.6 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 6.2 
			 Norfolk 4.2 
			 North and East Devon 4.8 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 4.1 
			 North Cheshire 4.3 
			 North Cumbria 4.0 
			 North Derbyshire 3.7 
			 North Essex 3.9 
			 North Nottinghamshire 3.3 
			 North Staffordshire 3.1 
			 North West Lancashire 4.3 
			 North Yorkshire 5.0 
			 Northamptonshire 3.2 
			 Northumberland 3.4 
			 Nottingham 4.0 
			 Oxfordshire 5.0 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 4.4 
			 Rotherham 3.6 
			 Salford and Trafford 4.1 
			 Sandwell 4.0 
			 Sefton 4.5 
			 Sheffield 5.4 
			 Shropshire 4.1 
			 Solihull 3.9 
			 Somerset 4.2 
			 South and West Devon 5.6 
			 South Cheshire 4.6 
			 South Derbyshire 3.8 
			 South Essex 3.8 
			 South Humber 3.2 
			 South Lancashire 3.9 
			 South Staffordshire 3.6 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire 5.1 
			 St Helens and Knowsley 3.9 
			 Stockport 4.5 
			 Suffolk 3.8 
			 Sunderland 4.1 
			 Tees 4.5 
			 Wakefield 3.8 
			 Walsall 2.7 
			 Warwickshire 3.9 
			 West Kent 4.3 
			 West Pennine 3.6 
			 West Surrey 6.1 
			 West Sussex 5.1 
			 Wigan and Bolton 3.6 
			 Wiltshire 4.5 
			 Wirral 5.0 
			 Wolverhampton 3.9 
			 Worcestershire 4.2 
		
	
	(85) ONS 2000 mid year population estimates based on the 1991 census.

NHS Dentistry

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in the Chesham and Amersham constituency take NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: Data are not collected centrally for the Chesham and Amersham constituency.

Myotonic Dystrophy

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of research into the (a) causes and (b) treatment of myotonic dystrophy.

Hazel Blears: The Department has made no recent assessment of research into the causes and treatment of myotonic dystrophy.

X-ray Plates

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of X-ray plates exposed in the NHS in each of the last five years.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	However, information on the number of imaging and radiodiagnostic examinations by imaging modality carried out by national health service trusts in England is available on the Department's website www.doh.gov.uk/ hospitalactivity.

Students

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the NHS would be of providing (a) free prescriptions and (b) free dental care to students in full- time education; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Full-time students under the age of 19 are already entitled to free prescriptions and free dental care. Some other students may be entitled to free prescriptions and free dental care on low income or maternity grounds, or to free prescriptions because they suffer from a medical condition which confers entitlement to exemption from prescription charges. The estimated costs in England of extending free treatment to remaining students in full-time education are shown in the table.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 Free prescriptions (86)27 
			 Free dental care (86)15 
		
	
	(86) Approximately

Voluntary Organisations

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the contribution voluntary organisations make to the running of the national health service.

Hazel Blears: The Department has not undertaken a specific assessment of the contribution of voluntary organisations to the national health service.
	Involving the voluntary sector, particularly within the framework of the compact agreement, is integral to NHS policy development and service delivery. The Department recognises the significant breadth of contributions made to the NHS at all levels by voluntary, community and charitable organisations. At national level these range from membership of the Department's policy development groups to contributing to specific consultation exercises. Locally voluntary organisations often provide specific services, for example volunteer hospital transport schemes to enable better patient access; and providing information and support networks for patients, their carers and families, about living with specific medical conditions.

Asthma

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Buteyko method of asthma treatment.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 7 May 2002
	The Department has not commissioned National Institute of Clinical Excellence to undertake a formal evaluation of the Buteyko method of asthma treatment and the Medical Research Council is not currently funding research into this treatment.
	The Department recognises that some people find complementary medicine treatments helpful in relieving the symptoms of certain conditions, particularly chronic conditions for which conventional medicine cannot provide a complete solution. Complementary medicine treatments, may be provided on the national health service if those responsible for commissioning health services on behalf of patients locally (primary care trusts) consider that they are a clinically and cost effective means of meeting an identified health need.

Asthma

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the cost would be of providing free medication to all asthmatics irrespective of age;
	(2)  what plans the Government have to provide free medication for all asthmatics.

Hazel Blears: We estimate that the loss of prescription charge income in England would be over £50 million a year. Additionally, there could be significant additional costs to the drugs bill if people with asthma who currently pay charges sought prescriptions for medicines and other items which they currently purchase.
	Our policy is to give priority to helping people who may have difficulty in paying charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements to people with other medical conditions including asthma.

Asthma

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Ministers from his Department last met representatives from the World Health Organisation to discuss the issue of asthma; and what plan of action was agreed to tackle the increase in asthma levels in (a) children and (b) adults.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 24 May 2002
	My right hon. Friend the Minister of State (Mr. Hutton) recently attended the World Health Assembly which took place from 13 to 18 May. This included a ministerial Round Table on general risks to health, however asthma was not a formal topic of debate.

Heroin

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths owing to heroin overdose there were in each of the last three years in (a) England and (b) Bassetlaw.

Ruth Kelly: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. John Mann, dated 10 June 2002
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question concerning the number of deaths owing to heroin overdose in the last three years in England and Bassetlaw. I am replying in his absence. (59630)
	Information is available on the number of deaths related to drug poisoning, where heroin or morphine was mentioned. 1 The latest year for which figures are available is 2000. Information is therefore provided for 1998, 1999 and 2000 and is given in the table below.
	
		Deaths related to heroin or morphine poisoning,(88) England, -- 1998 to 2000
		
			   Number of deaths  
			 Calendar year England Bassetlaw(89) 
		
		
			 1998 618  
			 1999 7153  
			 2000 874  
		
	
	(87) As heroin breaks down in the body into morphine, the latter is often detected at post mortem. For this reason, all deaths mentioning heroin or morphine have been included.
	(88) Selected using the following codes from the International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, where heroin or morphine was also mentioned:
	292 (drug psychoses)
	304 (drug dependence)
	305.2–305.9 (non dependent abuse of drugs
	E850-E858 (accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biologicals)
	E950.0-E950.5 (suicide and self-inflicted poisoning by solid or liquid substances)
	E980.0-E980.5 (poisoning by solid or liquid substances, undetermined whether accidentally or purposely inflicted)
	E962.0 (assault by poisoning—drugs and medicaments).
	(89) There are too few deaths in Bassetlaw to show the figures for individual years.
	Source:
	Deaths occurring in 1998, 1999 and 2000, as recorded on the ONS database of drug-related poisoning deaths using geographic boundaries as at April 2001.

Health Checks

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what means of assessing the success of the Government's programme for health checks for the over-75s are available.

Jacqui Smith: The Medical Research Council, with the support of the Department, has been conducting a trial of assessment and management of elderly people since 1994. The study is being conducted in over 100 practices in the United Kingdom, covering nearly 33,000 people aged 75 years or over registered with participating practices. The trial is now in the analytic stage, findings will be available in autumn 2002.

Anti-TNF

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure health authorities implement NICE's recommendations on the prescription of anti-TNF for children and adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Jacqui Smith: On 5 December 2001, we announced that we would meet our commitment to ensure that patients receive drugs and treatments recommended by National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the national health service if deemed appropriate by their clinicians. Directions have been issued obliging health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for recommended treatments.
	From 1 January 2002, the NHS has three months from the date of publication of each technology appraisal guidance to provide funding, so that clinical decisions made by doctors involving NICE recommended treatments or drugs can be funded.

Prevenar

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the possible (a) side effects, (b) benefits and (c) risks of prescribing the pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar to children who are not identified as at high risk of paediatric pneumococcal disease.

Hazel Blears: Prevenar was authorised by the European Commission in February 2001 for active immunisation of infants and children from two months of age to two years of age against invasive disease (including bacteraemia, sepsis, meningitis, bacteraemic pneumonia) caused by the streptococus pneumoniae serotypes contained in the vaccine. An assessment of the possible risks and benefits of the vaccine for this indication was considered by the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products, the advisory body to the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) prior to licensing. The at-risk groups were not distinguished. The current product information lists known side effects.
	Studies to document the full burden of morbidity attributable to pneumococcal disease in the United Kingdom's children and to evaluate the vaccine's suitability for use in the routine childhood immunisation programme are also in progress by the Department's vaccine evaluation consortium.
	In January 2002, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the Department on national immunisation policy, recommended that the small number of children under two years who are at particular risk from pneumococcal disease, who would be recommended to receive polysaccharide vaccine if they were over two years, should now receive the new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar).

Performance Targets

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the business of his Department is undertaken electronically with regard to the relevant PSA targets.

Hazel Blears: Information about progress on public service agreement targets will be published in the Department's 2002 departmental report.

Arthritis

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance his Department has been given to research into arthritis since 1997; what new treatments have become available for arthritis sufferers; and what payments are made to sufferers of arthritis to assist with medication costs.

Hazel Blears: The main Government agency for research into the cause and treatments of disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC spend is available from 1999 and is an estimated £12.9 million on research relevant to arthritis.
	The Department funds research to support policy and the delivery of effective practice in the national health service. The departmental spend on directly commissioned research projects on arthritis since 1997 is an estimated £2.5 million. The Department has also funded projects relevant to arthritis but with wider relevance, and the expenditure on these has not been counted.
	In addition to specific projects, the Department provides support for research commissioned by charities and the research councils that takes place in the NHS. Management of much of the research supported by NHS research and development funding is devolved and expenditure at project level is not held centrally by the Department. The total investment is considerably greater than the spend on directly commissioned projects.
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked to appraise the use of infliximab (Remicade) and etanecerpt (Enbrel) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. NICE issued its guidance on 22 March 2002. NICE has recommended the use of etanercept for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and etanercept and infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
	There are no payments made to sufferers of arthritis to assist with medication costs. People with arthritis are entitled to free NHS prescriptions if the patient is under 16 (or under 19 if in full-time education); aged 60 or over; or holds an exemption certificate; or is entitled on the grounds of low income. Prescription prepayment certificates save money for anyone who needs more than a certain number of items over a particular period.

Enbrel

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether Enbrel will be prescribed for arthritis on the NHS.

Hazel Blears: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked to appraise the use of infliximab (Remicade) and etanecerpt (Enbrel) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. NICE issued its guidance on 22 March 2002. NICE has recommended the use of etanercept for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and etanercept and infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis.
	On 5 December 2001, the Government announced that they would meet their manifesto commitment to ensure that patients receive drugs and treatments recommended by NICE on the national health service if deemed appropriate by their clinicians. Directions have been issued obliging health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for recommended treatments.

Alcohol Misuse

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been achieved towards the target of implementing the national strategy to tackle alcohol misuse by 2004.

Hazel Blears: The NHS Plan said that the Government would implement a national strategy to tackle alcohol misuse by 2004. We are on course to achieve this target. We have made the following progress:
	Discussions have been held with other Government Departments on their current and future plans for tackling alcohol misuse;
	Links have been built between the strategy and the work on crime reduction;
	A framework for certain key elements of the strategy has been put in place; including:
	A training course for general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses is currently being piloted. This will enable GPs and nurses to identify patients who are drinking hazardously and to decide on whether to offer support and advice to these patients or whether to refer them to specialist treatment services.
	An increase in the resources available for substance misuse education in schools—an additional £29.5 million has been put into substance misuse education over the last three years.

Value for Money

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 269W, on value for money, if he will publish the information used to establish that the Department was on course to deliver the target on value for money changes in the 1998 public service agreement.

Hazel Blears: The published measure for this target was that the Department would achieve its business plan objectives within the running costs limits set by the Comprehensive Spending Review. Running cost plans and outturn against them (where available) have already been published in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) for the years 1999–2000 to 2002–03, copies of which are in the Library. The statistics demonstrate that the Department is on track to meet the target.

Homeless People

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) number and (b) proportion of people (i) sleeping rough and (ii) living in temporary accommodation were looked after by local authorities when they were children.

Jacqui Smith: As at December 2001 there were some 78,600 households accepted as statutorily homeless by local authorities living in temporary accommodation. A household is the unit used to collect this data—it will include families with children and other vulnerable couples or single people who have a statutory right to assistance to meet their housing needs from local authorities. The rough sleepers unit estimates that as at November 2001 there were 532 people sleeping rough in England on any night. At present the Department does not keep statistics centrally about where young people are living after they leave care.
	The Children (Leaving Care) Act commenced in October 2001. This imposes a new duty on local authorities to ensure that care leavers are provided with suitable accommodation, which will not include temporary accommodation. From 2004, local authorities will be required to submit information to the Department about the performance of their leaving care services, including statistics on the numbers of care leavers placed in suitable accommodation.

Reconfiguration Panel

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when will appointments to the reconfiguration panel be completed; and whether (a) Kent and Canterbury, (b) Royal Hospital Haslar, (c) Solihull hospital, (d) Kidderminster hospital and (e) West Cornwall hospital Penzance will be referred to the panel.

Hazel Blears: It is vital that the independent reconfiguration panel (IRP) has both the confidence of the general public and credibility within the national health service. We are therefore considering our options very carefully before making any decisions about the membership.
	The IRP will offer advice to the Secretary of State for Health on any contested reconfiguration proposals that he asks the panel to consider. However, it will not be asked to consider any proposals that were referred to the Secretary of State for Health before the panel begins working—which we anticipate will be in the autumn.

NHS Catering

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2002, Official Report, column 451W, what significant and complex issues have been found by the Department with regard to the franchising and tendering of NHS catering.

Hazel Blears: The national health service is the single biggest organisation in Europe. It is also one of the biggest purchasers of food.
	In catering terms, the sheer size and complexity of the NHS are in themselves sufficient to raise significant issues for any examination of a franchise approach to hospital catering.
	Added to this must be the need to reflect the views and preferences of a wide range of patients; the variety of size and type of hospitals for example, acute, mental health and community hospitals; staffing issues; issues about purchasing models and value for money; the geographical dispersion of hospitals; the wide range of nutritional needs presented by patients—including diets for cultural, religious and clinical needs; the variety of catering systems currently in use and the impact of European Union requirements.

Hospital Food

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2002, Official Report, column 1017W, in what format the results of PEAT evaluations of hospital food will be published.

Hazel Blears: The results of the unannounced inspections of the quality of hospital food will be published at the same time as those of the patient environment assessments undertaken between February and May 2002. The quality of hospital food will be assessed against a 'traffic light' criteria where 'Red' is further improvement needed, 'Amber' acceptable and 'Green' good. The inspections are currently under way and we expect to publish the results shortly.

NHS Menus

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many leading chef dishes are on the new NHS menus; what they are; and how many hospitals have introduced each dish.

Hazel Blears: There is currently a total of 139 leading chef approved dishes in the national dish selector. A full list of the dishes follows. Acute hospitals are required to include at least three of these dishes in their menus each day. No information is collected on which dishes are used by individual hospitals.
	Dessert
	Apple cake
	Banana brulée
	Bread and butter pudding
	Butterscotch tart
	Cherry clafoutis tart
	Fruit cake and carrot cake
	Hot banana cake with custard
	Peach flan
	Posh pear and chocolate crumble
	Raspberry jelly
	Rhubarb and ginger stew with dumplings
	Sticky toffee pudding and butterscotch sauce
	Strawberry tartlet
	Teacup trifle
	Toasted oatmeal
	Trifle
	Vanilla mousse with preserved fruits
	Yummy yorkshire pudding
	Dinner choice
	Aloo kheema mutter (minced lamb with potatoes and tomatoes)
	Bacon, leek and mushroom pasta bake
	Baked gammon
	Beef and horseradish risotto
	Beef and onion pie
	Beef bolognaise
	Beef casserole
	Beef lasagne
	Beef masala with potato bhaji
	Braised beef in mushroom sauce
	Braised chicken and butternut squash
	Braised chicken with lentils
	Braised lamb in cider with parsley dumplings
	Braised lamb with flageolet beans
	Braised pork with apple and ginger dumplings
	Broccoli and herb quiche
	Cajun fishcakes
	Casserole of lamb with apricots and rice
	Cauliflower and broccoli pasta
	Chicken à la king
	Chicken and ham pie
	Chicken and leek pie
	Chicken and pasta with tomato and herbs
	Chicken Biryani, tadka daal, cucumber sauce
	Chicken casserole
	Chicken escalopes with tomato and coriander sauce
	Chicken in mustard and coriander sauce
	Chicken pie and spring onion mash
	Chicken tikka makhani with cabbage and beans jeera
	Chicken with tomatoes and peppers
	Chicken, apple and potato pie
	Chilli con carne
	Corned beef and apple hash slice
	Cottage pie
	Creamed chicken and vegetables
	Fish in cheese sauce with mustard mash
	Fish pie with a potato top
	Fish portugaise
	Fricassee of chicken with grain mustard and tarragon sauce
	Grilled chicken breast with spicy tomato sauce and tagliatelle
	Hungarian beef goulash with dumplings
	Irish stew
	Lamb and vegetable pie
	Lamb casserole
	Lamb shahi korma
	Liver with braised sweet onions
	Meatloaf with onion marmalade
	Minced chicken and vegetable pie
	Nasi goreng with egg
	Naverin of lamb with couscous and grilled vegetables
	Parmesan fried chicken escalopes milanese
	Poached chicken with a vegetable and herb broth
	Poached smoked haddock in grain mustard sauce
	Pork goulash
	Pork, sweet pepper and tomato casserole
	Pork, apple and sage crumble
	Roast cod with leek and mushroom sauce accompanied by garlic potato purée
	Salmon and dill potato bake
	Salmon fishcakes with parsley sauce
	Sausage hotpot
	Soya mince bolognaise
	Steak and kidney pie with olive oil mash
	Stewed steak with dumplings
	Sweet and sour chicken with vegetable fried rice
	Thai chicken red curry
	Tuna, tomato and courgette pasta
	Turkey and apple hotpot
	Light lunch
	Cauliflower and very cheese sauce
	Macaroni with smoked haddock and herbs
	Real cornish pasties
	Sea food pasta with fresh dill and parmesan
	Smoked turkey and tomato baguette
	Salad
	Salad of spinach, tuna, egg and chickpeas
	Sandwich
	Good old corned beef and apple coleslaw sandwich
	Soup
	Butter bean and bacon soup
	Celery and red pepper soup
	Cream of carrot soup
	Two soups in a bowl
	Vegetable and herb soup
	Vegetables
	Olive oil mashed potatoes
	Vegetarian
	Bean goulash
	Boston beans
	Broccoli and herb quiche
	Cauliflower and very cheese sauce
	Cauliflower and broccoli pasta
	Cheese, leek and egg pie
	Cheese, onion and potato pie
	Country vegetable pie
	Curried vegetables
	Egg, cashew and chickpea kedgeree
	Lentil Daal
	Macaroni cheese
	Nasi goreng with egg
	Soya mince bolognaise
	Vegetable and bean cottage pie
	Vegetable chilli
	Vegetable goulash with dumplings
	Vegetable lasagne
	Vegetable moussaka
	Elderly
	Tomato and butter bean soup
	Red lentil broth
	Tomato, onion, gruyere and basil quiche
	Chicken, chicken liver and mushroom casserole
	Braised salt brisket with carrots
	Braised liver and bacon hotpot
	Braised liver with green lentils
	Pink salmon, tuna and parsley fishcake
	Fillet of mackerel with braised lentils
	Sausage meat and bacon meatloaf with sweet onion gravy
	Sausage meat, carrot and thyme slice
	Ham, cheese, onion and leek pudding
	Roast chicken breast wrapped in bacon with stewed onions
	Pork blanquette
	Broccoli, smoked bacon and sweetcorn quiche
	Steamed raspberry pudding
	Raspberry blancmange
	Black forest trifle
	Apricot frangipan filo parcel
	Mincemeat and pear filo parcel
	Toffee apple roly-poly pudding
	Lemon posset
	Strawberry white wine jelly.

Health and Safety

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the NHS estate was compliant with fire safety requirements in each of the last five financial years; and what the outstanding cost is of related repairs as of the end of the current financial year.

Hazel Blears: The principal source of information in respect of establishing historic compliance with fire safety requirements is the estates return information collection (ERIC) system where data is returned annually by national health service trusts up to the end of the financial year being reported. Data in respect of non-NHS trust property that form part of the NHS estate (eg health authority offices, primary care groups etc.) are not available.
	The most relevant indicator is 'Costs to Achieve Statutory Fire Safety Compliance Standard B (excluding fire safety)'. In this context, condition B is the minimum standard required and is defined in the NHS guidance, estatecode, as meaning buildings which do not have backlog maintenance costs in respect of fire safety deficiencies and which comply with NHS firecode guidance and statutory requirements.
	NHS trust accommodation which is currently below condition B standard will include that for which there is work outstanding that is of a relatively low risk but required under statutory legislation. The NHS is always striving to keep up to-date with new legislation and to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
	Fire safety is a serious issue, which is why we have set targets for the NHS in this area and every effort is made to remedy any concerns expressed by local enforcement bodies as quickly as possible. This is reflected in the extremely small numbers of injuries and deaths arising as a result of fires in NHS hospitals in England despite the high volumes of people who access healthcare premises annually. I have also imposed targets set by HSC 1999/191 to reduce backlog maintenance costs associated with fire safety and to achieve compliance with firecode.
	The following table identifies the percentage of NHS trusts in England, over the five year period 1996–97 to 2000–01, who report having achieved the desired condition B standard having zero backlog maintenance costs associated with fire safety compliance:
	
		Percentage of total to achieve estatecode condition B—fire safety
		
			 Year  
		
		
			 1996–97 8.4 
			 1997–98 9.4 
			 1998–99 9.8 
			 1999–2000 11.1 
			 2000–01 21.0 
		
	
	These figures demonstrate that the numbers of NHS trusts which comply with the fire code requirement are increasing. Clearly, we can do more, and we are doing so through setting and monitoring the aforementioned targets. In addition, progress is expected to further accelerate as the outcome of the increased major capital investment programme in the NHS reaches fruition.
	With regard to the current outstanding cost of repairs, the most recent data available are for the year 2000–01. This shows that the total cost of backlog maintenance for NHS trusts in England to achieve estatecode condition B in respect of fire safety compliance at the end of the fiscal year 2000–01 is £239 million. Planned major capital investment throughout the NHS should see the eradication of a large proportion of this backlog.

Health and Safety

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the NHS estate was compliant with health and safety requirements at the end of each of the last five financial years; and what the outstanding cost is of repairs as of the end of the current financial year.

Hazel Blears: The principal source of information in respect of establishing historic compliance with health and safety requirements is the estates return information collection (ERIC) system where data are returned annually by national health service trusts up to the end of the financial year being reported. Data in respect of non-NHS trust property that form part of the NHS estate (eg health authority offices, primary care groups etc.) are not available.
	The most relevant indicator is 'Costs to Achieve Statutory Health & Safety Compliance Standard B (excluding fire safety)'. In this context, condition B is the minimum standard that NHS trusts are required to meet and is defined in the NHS guidance, estatecode, as meaning buildings which do not have backlog maintenance costs in respect of health and safety deficiencies and which comply with statutory requirements.
	NHS trust accommodation which is currently below condition B standards will include that for which there is work outstanding that is of a relatively low risk but required under statutory legislation. The NHS is always striving to keep up to-date with new legislation and to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
	Health and safety is a serious issue, which is why we have set targets for the NHS in this area and every effort is made to remedy any concerns expressed by local enforcement bodies as quickly as possible. This is reflected in the relatively few numbers of health and safety incidents reported under the mandatory Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). I have also imposed targets set by HSC 1999–191 to reduce backlog maintenance costs associated with health and safety requirements and to achieve statutory compliance.
	The following table shows the percentage of NHS trusts in England, over the five year period 1996–97 to 2000–01, who report having achieved the desired condition B standard:
	
		Percentage of total to achieve estatecode condition B—health and safety
		
			 Year  
		
		
			 1996–97 10.3 
			 1997–98 9.0 
			 1998–99 9.6 
			 1999–2000 7.8 
			 2000–01 18.9 
		
	
	These figures demonstrate that the numbers of NHS trusts which comply with the health and safety requirement are increasing despite the continual introduction of new legislation. Clearly, we can do more, and we are doing so through setting and monitoring the aforementioned targets. In addition, progress is expected to further accelerate as the outcome of the increased major capital investment programme in the NHS reaches fruition.
	With regard to the current outstanding cost of repairs, the most recent data available are for the year 2000–01. This shows that the total cost of backlog maintenance for NHS trusts in England to achieve estatecode condition B in respect of statutory health and safety compliance at the end of the fiscal year 2000–01 is £355 million. Planned major capital investment throughout the NHS should see the eradication of a large proportion of this backlog.

Littlemore Hospital

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many (a) assessment beds, (b) rehabilitation beds and (c) beds in pre-discharge flats there are in the medium secure unit at the Littlemore Hospital in Oxfordshire;
	(2)  how many staff accommodation units there are at the Littlemore Hospital in Oxfordshire.

Hazel Blears: Information on the average daily number of beds in each national health service trust is available from the Department website. Information by individual hospital site is not collected.
	Information on the number of staff accommodation units is not available centrally.

Funeral Arrangements

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 7 March 2002, Official Report, column 545W, what the Department's definition of a permanent memorial or marker is.

Hazel Blears: A permanent marker or memorial for a grave would be regarded as being formed from a non-perishable material, for example stone. A permanent marker in respect of a cremation would depend on whether ashes had been interred or scattered. This would take the form either of a marker for a grave, an entry in the book of remembrance, or a permanent memorial plaque.

Pharmacies

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pharmacies were covered by the essential small pharmacies scheme in each of the last five years.

Hazel Blears: The information requested and shown in the table is an extract from Table 6 of the Department's Statistical Bulletin "General Pharmaceutical Services in England and Wales 1991–92 to 2000–01".
	
		
			  Year ending 31 March Number of pharmacies which received Essential Small Pharmacy Scheme payments (England only) 
		
		
			 1997 256 
			 1998 255 
			 1999 255 
			 2000 262 
			 2001 243

Pharmacies

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pharmacies there were in rural areas in each of the past five years.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not held centrally.

Wheelchairs

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many NHS wheelchairs were in use in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what the average proportion of the cost of a wheelchair covered by a voucher was in each of the last five years.

Hazel Blears: Figures on the number of national health service wheelchairs in use are not collected centrally, nor are figures for the average cost of a wheelchair covered by a voucher.

Intensive Treatment Units

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many intensive treatment units there are in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Traditional and Alternative Medicines

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on evaluating (a) traditional and (b) alternative medicines in each of the past five years.

Hazel Blears: In relation to the regulation of medicines, there are no existing regulatory categories defined as traditional or alternative medicines and it is not possible to estimate expenditure on the evaluation of such products. The Medicines Control Agency undertakes a wide range of evaluative activity in relation to herbal and homeopathic medicines, many of which have a basis in tradition. These activities include determining whether a product should be classified as a medicine, assessing applications for marketing authorisations for herbal medicines, assessing applications under the homeopathic registration scheme, and assessing safety and compliance issues affecting licensed and unlicensed herbal and homeopathic medicines.
	The Department has directly funded a number of research projects which fall within the broad definition of traditional and alternative medicine, most of which are on-going, at a total cost of about £600,000.
	In addition, the Cochrane collaboration in the United Kingdom receives substantial support from the NHS research and development levy, and has contributed a large number of systematic reviews of alternative therapies to the Cochrane database of systematic reviews. The website of the Cochrane complementary field (http://www.compmed.umm.edu/Compmed/Cochrane/ Cochrane.htm) lists the titles of those Cochrane reviews.

Health Action Zones

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many homes in Tyne and Wear have been insulated as a result of health action zone campaigns.

Hazel Blears: Thirty-eight homes have been insulated and a further 188 have benefited from energy efficiency grants.

Staff Numbers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in the National Patient Safety Agency at 1 April; and what proportion of those staff have clinical contact with NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: The National Patient Safety Agency employed eleven staff at 1 April 2002, none of whom have clinical contact with national health service patients.
	This does not include the National Patient Safety Agency's Chair and 12 non-executive board members—of these, three are practising clinicians.

Staff Numbers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in his Department at 1 April; and what proportion of those staff have clinical contact with NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: The Department employed 5,288 staff at 1 April 2002.
	We cannot give a proportion of these staff who have clinical contact with national health service patients as we do not collect this data.

Staff Numbers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence at 1 April; and what proportion of those staff have clinical contact with NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: I understand that the number of staff employed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on 1 April 2002 was 40.
	It is not part of NICE's role to provide direct clinical care to patients. In the preparation of its guidance NICE receives advice from individuals and organisations in the national health service who provide such care on a day to day basis.

Staff Numbers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in the National Health Service Litigation Authority at 1 April; and what proportion of those staff have clinical contact with NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: At 1 April the NHS Litigation Authority employed a total of 145 staff. None of the Authority's staff have any clinical involvement with national health service patients.

Cane Hill, Coulsdon

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which agency in his Department owns Cane Hill, Coulsdon.

Hazel Blears: The Cane Hill site is owned by the Secretary of State for Health as part of the retained estate.

Speech Therapy Service (Southampton)

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the nature and effect of staff shortages at the speech and language therapy service based at the Central Health Clinic in Southampton.

Hazel Blears: The speech and language therapy service is managed by Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT) on behalf of several local PCTs including New Forest. The recruitment difficulties affecting the service are mirrored at a national level. The PCT is actively involved in "Improving Working Lives", a national initiative to attract people back to work and other initiatives to do everything possible to improve the recruitment and retention of therapists.
	In view of the shortages, the PCT is focusing attention on priority areas such as in-patients, particularly those patients with swallowing problems, which could be potentially life threatening.

Juvenile Sex Abusers

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meetings he has had with ministerial colleagues in the last two years with regard to children and young people who sexually abuse.

Jacqui Smith: I have had no meetings with ministerial colleagues specifically regarding children and young people who sexually abuse.

Hospital Beds

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of a (a) hospital intensive care bed and (b) hospital surgical bed was in the last 12 months, broken down by trust.

Hazel Blears: Information on the 2000–01 average unit costs (per bed day) for each NHS Trust in England for (a) intensive care unit beds and (b) paediatric intensive care unit beds has been placed in the Library.
	Average unit costs for other types of intensive care unit, for example, cardiac intensive care are available, in the Library.
	No data are currently available for the average cost of a hospital surgical bed.

Audiology

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the average wait for an audiology appointment (a) at the Northern Devon healthcare trust and (b) in England has been in (i) each of the last seven years and (ii) each of the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people have been on the waiting list for an audiology appointment at the Northern Devon healthcare trust in each of the last seven years; what has been the average waiting list for an NHS trust for patients waiting for an audiology appointment in each of the last seven years; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Figures are collected by consultant specialty and not treatment specialty. As such it is not possible to extract the information requested.

Drug Testing

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he takes to ensure, in the testing of drugs for potential carcinogenicity, commercial companies do not select animal species and strains of species where the incidence of carcinogenicity is low.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 14 May 2002
	The rationale for selecting species to be used in the carcinogenicity studies is stated in the guidance documents produced as a result of the International Conference of Harmonisation.

Road Accident Casualties

Robert Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money NHS hospitals have claimed from motor insurance providers to recover the cost of treating road accident casualties in each of the last 10 years.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 16 May 2002
	Prior to 5 April 1999 national health service trusts had responsibility for collecting from insurers charges for hospital treatment following road traffic accidents under the provisions of sections 157 and 158 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Trust accounts show the following amounts of road traffic income since 1994, the earliest year for which information is available:
	
		
			   £ million 
		
		
			 1994–95 13.1 
			 1995–96 13.1 
			 1996–97 13.6 
			 1997–98 16.6 
			 1998–99 19.6 
		
	
	The system for recovery of these charges changed with the introduction of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 which came into effect on 5 April 1999 and there is now a new centralised recovery system which is undertaken by the compensation recovery unit (CRU). Since April 1999 the CRU has paid the following amounts to NHS trusts:
	
		
			   £ million 
		
		
			 1999–2000 26.6 
			 2000–01 67.0 
			 2001–02 86.8 
		
	
	The amount collected for 1999–2000 does not represent total income to the NHS in that year. This is because income would have been received directly by trusts in the first part of the year as a carry-over from the old arrangements.

MMR

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have suffered (a) febrile convulsions and (b) other adverse effects within 14 days of receiving the MMR vaccine.

Hazel Blears: Since 1987, there have been a total of 3,578 reports containing 5,932 suspected adverse reactions associated with MMR vaccines reported to the Medicines Control Agency. For 2,683 of these suspected reactions it is stated that the reaction occurred within 14 days. There have been 82 reports of suspected febrile convulsions associated with MMR vaccines in which the reporter has stated that the reaction occurred within 14 days. The onset time of a suspected reaction is not always provided by reporters.
	Febrile convulsions are a recognised side effect of MMR vaccines and are listed as a side effect in their product information. A United Kingdom epidemiological study has suggested that the risk of febrile convulsions six to 11 days following MMR vaccines is around one case per 3,000 doses (Farrington et al. The Lancet 1995; 345:567–69).
	It is important to note that the reporting of a suspected adverse reaction does not necessarily mean that the vaccine caused the reaction and other factors such as concomitant medication and underlying disease may provide an alternative explanation.

Mount Vernon Hospital

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will publish an assessment of the quality of cancer services provided at Mount Vernon Hospital;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the quality of service provided at Mount Vernon Hospital.

Hazel Blears: Cancer services at Mount Vernon Hospital were peer reviewed against national standards in May 2001. This review was part of a national process and the final report was submitted to the Network Board, trusts and health authorities. It was also copied to both London and south-eastern regional offices.
	In August 2001 Mount Vernon Hospital was assessed for accreditation as a gynaecological cancer centre. It could not be accredited because it did not have diagnostic, surgical/oncology and palliative care services which would be found in a comprehensive cancer centre. Provisional arrangements have been approved pending the outcome of the long-term review of the Mount Vernon Cancer Network and Centre.
	Prior to this the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre was reviewed against Calman Hine standards in 1997. It was given temporary accreditation and asked to meet Calman Hine standards. This temporary accreditation lapsed in 1999 because Mount Vernon Cancer Centre failed to meet the required standards.
	The recommendation(s) of the steering group of the Mount Vernon long-term cancer review will be publishing its recommendation(s) shortly to the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire health authority in its capacity as host health authority for the Mount Vernon Cancer Network.

Haemophilia

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what clotting factors are available in recombinant products for people with haemophilia; and what assessment he has made as to whether all clotting factors with the least side effects are available to all haemophilia sufferers.

Hazel Blears: The full range of recombinant clotting factors for patients with haemophilia are available for purchase by national health service trusts. Patients who develop antibodies against clotting factors, known as inhibitors, can be treated with a range of products including recombinant factor VIIa. The United Kingdom haemophilia centre doctors organisation has produced guidelines for clinicians for treatment on inhibitors. Treatment is a matter for individual clinical decision.

Biobank UK

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission an independent body to undertake an independent scientific peer review of the scientific protocol for Biobank UK.

Hazel Blears: The protocol for the United Kingdom's Biobank project was developed following extensive consultation with the scientific community. Independent international scientific peer review was used to inform the funding decisions made by the Department, the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Councils. In all, 12 experts were involved, 10 of whom were from overseas, including the United States of America, Australia and various European countries. None of these had prior involvement in the development of the protocol nor were they involved with organisations likely to participate in the study or benefit financially. A scientific management committee composed of senior scientific advisers will be responsible for overseeing data collection, setting targets, agreeing changes to the protocol, and monitoring scientific output. Scrutiny of the scientific protocol will be an on-going process and it is therefore considered unlikely that an additional body undertaking further independent scientific peer review will add significant value to the UK Biobank project.

Blood Donation

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 25 March 2002, Official Report, column 771W, what assessment the Department has made of the reasons underlying the forecast fall in levels of blood donation by 17-year-olds.

Hazel Blears: The table has been updated since the answer of 25 March 2002 to show the final figures for 2001–02.
	From 1998 when 17-year-olds were permitted to donate blood the numbers doing so increased for two consecutive years. However, the reduced donations in 2001–02 corresponded with a fall that year, albeit at a slower rate, in the number of 17-year-olds in the general population.
	The numbers of 17-year-olds are projected to increase substantially in the next few years. The National Blood Service believes, therefore, that the decline in 2001–02 is likely to be a blip in an otherwise rising trend, rather than a significant downturn.
	
		
			 Financial year 17-year-old donor count 
		
		
			 1998–99 13,777 
			 1999–2000 19,133 
			 2000–01 19,718 
			 2001–02 17,493

BCG Vaccinations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason BCG vaccinations are not offered in (a) Oxfordshire, (b) Avon and (c) York and Selby.

Hazel Blears: The Government have recommended continually since 1953 that BCG vaccine should be routinely offered to all school children aged between 10 and 14 years of age. This is based on the advice of an independent expert advisory committee, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
	This recommendation was reviewed by the JCVI during 1996 and their advice was that the schools programme should continue; health authorities were advised of this in July 1996. The decision not to implement this advice in Oxfordshire, Avon and York and Selby was taken locally by the health authorities.

Breast Cancer

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what prior advice is given to patients on the potential adverse effects of radiotherapy in their treatment for breast cancer;
	(2)  what procedures are in place to ensure patients receive counselling services following the adverse effects of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Radiotherapy centres are expected to make available information and advice for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
	A cancer information advisory group has been set up to oversee the development, content and availability of information for cancer patients.
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is due to publish guidelines on supportive and palliative care in October 2002. This will include guidance on information, communication, psychological and social support.

Breast Cancer

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of the new breast cancer drug Xeloda in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have been asked to advise on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of capecitabine (Xeloda) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Guidance is due to be disseminated in March 2003, provided there are no appeals.
	In August 1999 the Department issued guidance which asks national health service bodies to continue with local arrangements for the managed introduction of new technologies where guidance from NICE is not available at the time the technology first became available. These arrangements should involve an assessment of all the available evidence.

Skin Cancer

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to increase the educational awareness of skin cancer in (a) children and (b) adults.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Information about sun safety will be available from the normal routes as well as through NHS Direct. We launched on 14 March a new departmental website www.doh.gov.uk/sunsafe providing sun safety advice. The website has been designed with both young children and their parents and teachers in mind. We are also collaborating with other key stakeholders this year in ensuring that a range of sun safety advice is publicly available. For example, the recently launched Cancer Research (UK) leaflet "Malignant Melanoma" describes the facts and signs of melanoma, for which the Department provided funding.

Cancer Treatment

Ann Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sum was made available for cancer treatment in the financial year 2002–03 at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; what sum for cancer treatment at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells was sought for 2002–03; and what changes have been made to the allocation of resources for 2002–03 for cancer treatment at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Hazel Blears: In 2002–03 £17.7 million was made available to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells National Health Service Trust for cancer treatment. The increase in the allocation of resources for 2002–03 for cancer treatment at the trust was £2.04 million.
	The 2002–03 Kent Cancer Service Delivery Plan, developed in October 2001, identified a requirement of £17.9 million for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Oesophageal Cancer

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made about possible links between the use of chemicals in vegetables and cancer of the oesophagus.

Hazel Blears: Reports of links between chemicals in vegetables and cancer of the oesophagus relate to speculation concerning possible effects of nitrate. I am informed that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is aware of the scientific developments in this area and is investigating the matter.
	Vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, contain the highest concentrations of nitrate in the diet. Although some of this nitrate comes from the use of conventional and organic nitrogen fertilisers on crops most is naturally occurring. Low light intensity during the growing period is the main influence on nitrate concentrations in plant tissue.
	Many studies have investigated the possibility of a link between nitrate and cancer, but these have failed to provide convincing evidence that nitrate intake in the UK causes cancer. A new study by Professor McColl at the University of Glasgow has speculated on a possible association with oesophageal cancer in Scotland. The FSA agree with Professor McColl that the results are preliminary and require further investigation. Other areas of the United Kingdom with high nitrate intakes do not show similar high levels of the oesophageal cancer reported in Scotland. There is also new evidence available which suggests that dietary nitrate has beneficial effects. The FSA has commissioned a three-year project to characterise the potential benefits versus possible toxicity to humans from nitrate in the diet. The results of this work will be available later this year.

Lung Cancer

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people in England diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer were entered into clinical trials in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Hazel Blears: The Department does not collect this information centrally. However, the national cancer research network has just started to collate detailed figures on the numbers of people entering clinical trials for cancer.

Abortion

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has collated on whether sex selective abortions are taking place in the UK.

Hazel Blears: We have no evidence that sex selective abortions are being performed. An abortion may only take place on grounds under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended. While abortion on grounds of foetal sex alone is not specifically prohibited, it is illegal. The sex of an unborn child might, however, be a legitimate factor if in a practitioner's judgment, an abortion in a particular case is justified on the medical grounds specified in the Abortion Act, for example in sex-linked inherited conditions.

Taiwan (World Health Organisation)

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Taiwan has been granted observer status in the World Health Organisation; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Taiwan has not been granted observer status in the World Health Assembly.

Myalgic Encephalitis

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people suffer from myalgic encephalitis in England, broken down by region.

Hazel Blears: Information on the prevalence of individual conditions is not collected centrally. The report of the independent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis working group, published in January 2002, estimated a population prevalence of around 0.2 to 0.4 per cent. in adults and around 0.07 per cent. in children.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress with support and treatment for people suffering with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Jacqui Smith: In recent years the Department has encouraged a number of initiatives taken by professional bodies and voluntary groups to raise awareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We currently support, including provision of grant aid, the work of the "contact a family ADHD alliance" project.
	In guidance on the use of the drug methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD in children, published in October 2000 by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), it was made clear that a diagnosis of ADHD should be based on a timely, comprehensive assessment conducted by a child/adolescent psychiatrist or a paediatrician with expertise in this disorder. Referrals for specialist assessment can come from a number of sources including family members, general practitioners, social workers and teachers. NICE also recommended that drug treatment with methylphenidate, where appropriate, should be seen as part of a comprehensive treatment programme, which includes psychological, educational and social interventions, for children with a diagnosis of severe ADHD.

EC Decisions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will list those organisations (a) within and (b) without the UK that will receive information under Commission Decision 2002/253/EC;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which, under Commission Decision 2002/253/EC (OJ L86, 3 APR 02), patients' case histories may be circulated in the European Communities.

Hazel Blears: Commission Decision 2002/253/EC merely establishes the case definitions to be used to compare national surveillance data from the member states. It does not establish systems for collecting or disseminating information.

EC Decisions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the criteria for the selection of communicable diseases under Commission Decision 2002/253/EC.

Hazel Blears: The criteria for selection of disease or special areas to be covered by epidemiological surveillance within the European network for communicable diseases surveillance and control are laid down in annexe II of the Commission Decision of 22 December 1999, supported by all the member states on the diseases to be covered by the community network. Decision 2002/253/EC fulfilled the requirement of Article 3(c) of Decision 2119/98/EC setting up the Community network to determine case definitions.

EC Decisions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the post-analysis action to follow the sharing of data under Commission Decision 2002/253/EC.

Hazel Blears: Data for some of the diseases listed in Commission Decision 2002/253/EC establishing case definitions are already covered by disease specific surveillance networks which publish their analyses. A generic system to compare routine data on other diseases has not yet been established.

EC Decisions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has (a) received and (b) called for, with respect to Commission Decision 2002/253/EC, from civil rights organisations; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has neither received nor called for representations from civil rights organisations in respect of Commission Decision 2002/253/EC.

Health Care

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when he expects to produce proposals for reform of the complaints procedure used in the NHS when adverse medical events occur;
	(2)  if he will make a statement as to the policy adopted in the NHS when adverse health care events occur.

Hazel Blears: We are looking to introduce reforms to the national health service complaints system from 2002. As part of the reform process, we are considering how complaints can promote learning to help reduce risk to future patients and in this way improve quality of care and patient safety where relevant. We are also exploring how appropriate links can be made between complaints and the work of the national patient safety agency.

Health Care

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to amend the way in which provision for clinical negligence cases is made in the NHS accounts for England.

Hazel Blears: National health service summarised accounts are prepared to comply with accounting standards, United Kingdom Government accounting and procedures, resource accounting manual and Companies Acts. There are no changes planned to these standards and regulations that will affect the disclosure of clinical negligence liabilities in NHS accounts.

Organ Donation

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Baillieston (Mr. Wray) of 25 February 2002, Official Report, column 963W, on organ donation, when the consultation paper on the review of the law governing the taking, removal and use of human tissue will be published.

Jacqui Smith: A consultative report has been completed and will be published very shortly.

Coronary Care

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have specialist heart treatment units; and what proposals he has to increase this amount.

Hazel Blears: 29 national health service trusts in England have specialist heart units, undertaking heart operations. A further specialist centre is being built in Wolverhampton, which will come into service in 2003. Eight existing centres are being modernised and expanded, at a cost of £170 million, providing 12 additional cardiac operating theatres and 380 extra beds in some of the areas with the highest rates of heart disease.
	All acute NHS trusts provide a cardiology service, referring to a specialist heart unit when appropriate.

Coronary Care

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has gone into research of drugs to aid in the treatment of heart failure; and which of these drugs have become available since 1997.

Hazel Blears: Pharmaceutical companies fund the large majority of research into new drugs. Information on their research for drugs to aid the treatment of heart failure is not collected by the Department.
	No drugs are licensed solely for the treatment of heart failure. A range of drugs originally developed for the treatment of coronary heart disease and hypertension have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of heart failure. The evidence for new indications usually arises over a period of time as research emerges from different trials.
	Most of the drugs used in the treatment of heart failure were available before 1997.

Coronary Care

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures have been taken since 1997 to address the incidence of heart failure; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Since 1997 we have made coronary heart disease, the commonest cause of heart failure in this country, a major focus of health policy. Prevention, treatment and care are addressed in "Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation" (June 1999), The national service framework (NSF) for coronary heart disease (March 2000) and the NHS Plan (July 2000). The NSF establishes the standard of care the national health service will provide for patients with heart failure and outlines the strategy to tackle this over the next 10 years. Chapter six of the NSF sets out how the NHS and others can help people with heart failure live longer and achieve a better quality of life.

Linear Accelerators

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the recommended number of linear accelerators per one million population is.

Hazel Blears: There is no formal Department recommendation on the number of linear accelerator treatment machines which serve each million population. The Department is aware of the advice given by the Royal College of Radiologists that four linear accelerator treatment machines should serve each million population. Following two central initiatives, this target is expected to be achieved by 2004.

Linear Accelerators

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS health authorities provide treatment through linear accelerators; how many linear accelerators are operational within those trusts; and how old each linear accelerator is.

Hazel Blears: All strategic health authorities commission radiotherapy services for patients at radiotherapy centres, which may be located within its boundaries. The following health authorities provided radiotherapy treatment using linear accelerators (linacs) at the trusts indicated at January 2001.
	From a survey carried out in 2001 155 linacs were identified to be operational in the national health service. The commissioning dates for each linac is published at www.canceruk.net. Since that survey it is estimated that 47 new machines have been delivered by central initiatives alone. Information concerning the numbers and ages of such machines in Wales is also available at the same web address.
	The Royal College of Radiologists is about to embark on its own survey of radiotherapy facilities, from which information will be made available on the same web-address in the forthcoming few months.
	
		Health authorities with radiotherapy centres located within its boundaries. Also given is the number of operational linacs at January 2001
		
			  Health authority  Radiotherapy centre Number of operational linacs 
		
		
			 Cambridgeshire Addenbrooke's NHST 4 
			 Norfolk Norfolk and Norwich university hospital NHST 3 
			 North Essex Essex rivers health care NHST 2 
			 South Essex Southend hospital NHST 2 
			 Suffolk Ipswich hospital NHST 2 
			 Hertfordshire West Hertfordshire hospitals NHST 4 
			 Barking and Havering Barking Havering and Redbridge hospitals NHST 2 
			 Barnet Enfield and Haringey North Middlesex university hospital NHST 2 
			 Camden and Islington(90) Royal Free Hampstead NHST University College London hospitals NHST 2 5 
			 Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Hammersmith hospitals NHST 5 
			 East London and the City Barts and the London NHST 4 
			 Kensington Chelsea and Westminster Royal Marsden NHST 8 
			 Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham Guys and St. Thomas' hospital trust 3 
			 Manchester Christie's hospital NHST 8 
			 North West Lancashire Preston Acute hospitals NHST 3 
			 Wirral Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHST 7 
			 East Riding and Hull Hull and East Yorkshire hospitals NHST 1 
			 Leeds Leeds Teaching hospitals NHST 7 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside The Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHST 6 
			 North Cumbria North Cumbria Acute hospitals NHST 1 
			 Tees South Tees hospitals NHST 4 
			 Berkshire Royal Berks and Battle hospitals NHST 2 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Brighton health care NHST 2 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Portsmouth health care NHST 2 
			 Northamptonshire Northampton general hospital NHST 2 
			 Oxfordshire Oxford Radcliffe hospitals NHST 4 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire Southampton university hospitals NHST 3 
			 West Kent Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHST 5 
			 West Surrey Royal Surrey county hospital NHST 4 
			 Avon(90) United Bristol health care NHST Royal United hospital Bath NHST 5 2 
			 Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Royal Cornwall hospitals trust 0 
			 Dorset Poole hospitals NHST 3 
			 Gloucestershire Gloucestershire hospitals NHST 3 
			 North and East Devon Royal Devon and Exeter health care NHST 2 
			 South and West Devon(90) Plymouth hospitals NHST South Devon health care NHST 3 1 
			 Leicestershire University hospitals of Leicester NHST 3 
			 Lincolnshire United Lincolnshire hospitals NHST 2 
			 Nottingham Nottingham City hospital NHST 3 
			 Sheffield Sheffield Teaching hospitals NHST 4 
			 Southern Derbyshire Southern Derbyshire Acute hospitals NHST 2 
			 Birmingham University hospital Birmingham NHST 5 
			 Coventry University hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHST 3 
			 North Staffordshire North Staffordshire hospital NHST 2 
			 Shropshire Royal Shrewsbury hospitals NHST 1 
			 Wolverhampton The Royal Wolverhampton hospitals NHST 2 
		
	
	(90) X 2 radiotherapy centres

Linear Accelerators

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the recommended replacement age of linear accelerators is; and how old each linear accelerator in service within each NHS health authority that provide radiotherapy treatment is.

Hazel Blears: There is no formal recommended replacement age for linear accelerators (linacs) within the national health service in England.
	The age of each linac in service following a survey carried out in 2001 is published at www.canceruk.net This lists each linear accelerator in use along with the dates when each machine was commissioned.

Osteoporosis

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to investigate the use of (a) ultrasound and (b) biochemical tests in combination with Dexa scanning for identifying osteoporosis in (i) the population and (ii) a sub-set of the population; and if he will ask the National Screening Committee to commission a review of the area this year before its autumn workshop.

Jacqui Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 3 April 2002, Official Report, column 1042W.
	The United Kingdom national screening committee will review its advice and the evidence available at its meeting on 26 June 2002 and make recommendations.

Bounty Pack

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place a copy of the bounty pack issued to new mothers in the Library.

Hazel Blears: The bounty pack is not issued by the Department. The bounty pack is provided by the commercial organisation Bounty UK Ltd. and consists of sample products. Full information on Bounty UK is available at www.bounty.co.uk.

Patient Data

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in relation to the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002, what steps he will take to inform patients about (a) the disclosure of personal data to cancer registries and other bodies and (b) their right to object to such processing of personal data; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: All national health service bodies are already required by data protection legislation to provide patients with information about all likely processing and disclosures of personal data. The Information Commissioner has recently published guidance on the "Use and Disclosure of Health Data" which clarifies these requirements. The right to object to processing of personal data where the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002 are in effect is provided by the Data Protection Act 1998 and awareness of these rights is promoted by the Information Commissioner.
	However, the Department will be issuing guidance to health service bodies that will both complement the Information Commissioner's and make it clear that where patients object to a disclosure under the permissive provisions of the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002, their objections should normally be respected. A sample leaflet for informing patients about the regulations and what they should do if they are unhappy about possible disclosures will be included within this guidance.

Patient Data

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take if health professionals refuse to provide personal data to cancer registries and the like without the consent of the patient as required under the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002.

Hazel Blears: I have no plans to introduce a requirement for health professionals to provide personal data to cancer registries. While the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002, when they come into force, would permit me to introduce such a requirement in the public interest I will only do so if so advised by the independent patient information advisory group. In the absence of such a requirement, the regulations are permissive rather than prescriptive, allowing but not requiring information to be disclosed. However, if such a requirement were to be introduced the action to be taken in cases of non-compliance will need to be determined on a case by case basis.

Still-born Babies

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the certification and registration of still-born babies of between 18 and 24 weeks gestation.

Hazel Blears: The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, as amended, provides for the registration of babies born dead after 24 weeks gestation. When a baby is born dead before 24 weeks gestation (the legal age of viability), the law does not require the birth to be certified or registered.
	If a baby is born dead before 24 weeks gestation, parents can obtain a certificate from the doctor or midwife who attended the delivery, stating that their baby was born before the legal age of viability and showed no signs of life. This will enable the parents to have their baby buried or cremated. The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society's Guidelines "Pregnancy loss and the death of a baby. Guidelines for professionals (1995)" recognise that forms and certificates are often greatly valued by parents who otherwise may have little or no evidence or mementoes of their baby's existence. It states that it is good practice to offer all parents a copy to keep, whether or not they need it for practical reasons and that the documents should, where possible, be sensitively and sympathetically worded.

Care Home Beds

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the change in the number of care home beds in Somerset since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The table shows the number of places in residential care homes and registered beds in nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics in Somerset area in 1997 and 2001. The total number of beds has increased by just over 11 per cent. between 1997 and 2001.
	
		Residential places(91) and registered nursing beds(92) in Somerset area in 1997 and 2001
		
			 At 31 March Places in residential care homes Registered nursing beds in nursing homes(93),(94) Total care beds 
		
		
			 1997 3,380 2,632 6,012 
			 2001 4,101 2,580 6,681 
		
	
	(91) Places registered within Somerset local authority, exclude children beds.
	(92) Beds registered within Somerset health authority, all client groups.
	(93) Registered beds in general and mental nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics.
	(94) Figures for registered nursing beds relates to registered beds during the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997.
	Source:
	Department of Health's annual returns.

Personality Disordered Offenders

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how ongoing support and supervision will be arranged for personality disordered offenders discharged into the community and managed primarily by health services.

Jacqui Smith: The care programme approach will be the key method for providing support for personality disordered offenders discharged into the community. The care plan is managed by multi-disciplinary teams lead by health professionals.
	There will still be a requirement for probation officers to follow up offenders. No one will be discharged without full support and unless assessed to be at low risk of causing harm to others.

Personality Disordered Offenders

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what requirement there will be on those in the health service providing supervision and treatment to personality disordered offenders in the community to collaborate with other statutory and voluntary agencies in the provision of services and sharing of information.

Jacqui Smith: The White Paper "Reforming the Mental Health Act" says that in new mental health legislation "there will be a new duty covering the disclosure of information about patients suffering from mental disorder between health and social services agencies and other agencies, for example housing agencies or criminal justice agencies."
	The personality disorder strategy forensic group commissioned by the Department is collating examples of effective multi agency protocols for information sharing, in order to produce guidance on minimum standards for all multi agency public protection panels (MAPPPs). The draft strategy is likely to include guidance to mental health trusts for a requirement that senior clinicians sit on MAPPPs. A draft strategy will be available for consultation in October 2002.

Personality Disordered Offenders

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that chartered psychologists are able to make a leading contribution to (a) the development of services for personality disordered offenders and (b) future revisions of mental health legislation.

Jacqui Smith: The Department conducts regular meetings with key stakeholders like the British Psychological Society who will continue to be involved at key stages of the development of policy in this area.
	Included in the expert group commissioned by the Department to produce a strategy on services for people with personality disorder (PD), are four chartered psychologists. This will ensure that psychologists can take a leading role in development of the strategy.

Oral Tobacco Products

Ian Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to introduce legislation to ban the import of oral tobacco products.

Hazel Blears: The sale of oral tobacco products with the exception of chewing tobacco and tobacco intended to be smoked is already banned in the UK. Because of this there has not been a need to ban imports of these products.
	Since 1992 it has been illegal to place tobacco for oral use on the market in this country. A Community-wide ban was put in place in the 1992 Council Directive 92/41/EEC, and became part of UK law under the Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 3134). The Europe-wide ban was renewed in 2001 in European Union Directive 2001/37/EC.
	The Government are committed to reducing all forms of tobacco use, and have introduced a comprehensive programme of action to address both the supply and the demand of tobacco products.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many claims for work-related illness were settled by his Department in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was in compensation.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 20 May 2002
	There were two successful claims at employment tribunals, against the Department, linked to work-related illness during the year April 2001 to March 2002.
	The total compensation paid was £88,500.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many days of sick leave were taken by employees in his Department in the last year for which records are available; what proportion of those were due to work- related illness or injury; and what the cost was to the Department.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The latest annual report published by the Cabinet Office, "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service—2000", shows that, in 2000, the Department's unadjusted average working day absence per staff year was 5.5, down from 6.6 in 1999. Figures for 2001 or later years are not yet published.
	While the Department collects data on sickness absence, which includes work related illness or injury, it is not possible to identify if the cause was work related. It is not possible, therefore, to identify these costs.

Work-related Illness

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees of his Department retired through work-related ill-health in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was to the Department.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 20 May 2002
	Records are not maintained by the Department which enable ill health retirements to be separately identified as work related. For the Department the number of staff retired with a medical retirement certificate issued by the civil service pension scheme medical adviser for the period 1 April 2001– 30 April 2002 was six.
	As to the matter of costs, expenditure for medical retirement is not met by the employing Departments but centrally funded from the Civil Superannuation Vote.

GP Exercise Referrals

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what funding is allocated for general practitioner exercise referrals in the financial year 2002–03;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the GP exercise referral schemes;
	(3)  what he is doing to promote GP exercise referral schemes;
	(4)  what research he has commissioned into general practitioner exercise referrals;
	(5)  how many general practitioner exercise referral schemes exist;
	(6)  how many patients have been the subject of GP exercise referrals.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 21 May 2002
	The national quality assurance framework on exercise referral systems, published last year, aims to improve the quality of existing referral schemes and help the development of new ones. The guidelines were also promoted at two regional seminars for primary care and leisure services. The Department does not keep a national register of practices which offer these schemes, or the number of participants. These details are held locally by primary care trusts (PCTs) or local authorities.
	The Department does not organise and centrally fund such schemes. It is up to PCTs, in conjunction with local authorities, to determine whether an exercise referral scheme fits with their broader plans for promoting physical activity.
	The Department has funded two reviews by the former health education authority that documented progress and effectiveness of exercise referral schemes. The research showed that better designed referral schemes can lead to small levels of increased participation in activity, but that practice across the country was highly variable. There is on-going research of £1.1 million via the health technology assessment programme, including two projects looking at exercise referral schemes.

Mixed-sex Wards

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he expects to meet his target on mixed-sex wards by December.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 21 May 2002
	We remain confident that the target of eliminating mixed-sex accommodation in 95 per cent. of trusts by the end of the year is achievable.
	Ongoing monitoring of the progress of the project continues and indicates that progress towards the targets is being maintained. National health service trusts are working hard to ensure that this remains so.
	Additional professional and technical support is being made available to those who are finding meeting the targets particularly challenging.

Managing Information

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether it is part of the job of the director of finance of the NHS Executive to ensure that up-to-date management information is made available to the Executive routinely and to Ministers on request.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 21 May 2002
	The director of finance for the Department is responsible for ensuring that Ministers and the departmental board are provided with relevant and up-to-date financial management information.

NHS Executive (Finance Director)

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the name and salary is of the finance director of the NHS Executive.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 21 May 2002
	The Department's finance director is Richard Douglas. His salary is £105,000 per annum.

Nurses Agencies Regulations

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the timetable is for the nurses agencies regulations upon which he has been consulting.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 21 May 2002
	In order to allow agencies sufficient time to prepare for implementation, the commencement of regulation by the national care standards commission for nurses agencies will be 1 September 2002.
	Final versions of the regulations and national minimum standards will be published shortly.

Parliamentary Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of parliamentary advisers appointed to serve his Department.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Ministers in this Department have made no such appointments.

Trust Directors

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many executive directors of NHS trusts were (a) made redundant and (b) retired early in 2001–02 as a result of reorganisations and mergers of NHS trusts; and what the total cost of the financial packages was, including redundancy payments and pension arrangements.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Accounts information for 2001–02 will normally be available once validation checks have been completed by the Department in November 2002.
	The accounts will include costs incurred as a result of redundancy or early retirement including associated pension costs. However, the accounts will not separately identify the numbers or the total cost of financial packages for executive directors who were made redundant or who retired early as a result of reorganisations and mergers of national health service trusts.

Casualty Units

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time was in (a) 1997 and (b) 2001 to be seen by a doctor for treatment in casualty.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 22 May 2002
	Information regarding average waiting times to see a doctor for treatment in accident and emergency (A&E) is not collected centrally.
	From August 2001, data on total time in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge has been collected.

Casualty Units

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many casualty units have been modernised since 1997.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The accident and emergency (A&E) modernisation programme was launched in 1998. A total of £150 million has been invested enabling 180 A&E departments to be modernised.

Sun Protection Cream

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) 24 April, Official Report, column 68W, on sun protection cream, how many hits the website www.doh.gov.uk/sunsafe has had since it was launched; and how much funding his Department has given to the National Radiological Protection Board this year to raise awareness of the general public of the dangers of skin cancer.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The sunsafe pages of the Department's website had 54,790 hits 1 between 14 March and 22 May 2002. The Department provides core funding for the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), but it is a matter for NRPB to determine what resources are devoted to raising awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.
	1 hits are the total number of requests made on the server during the time period specified, but does not include images.

Clinical Negligence

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on clinical negligence claims faced by the NHS; and how many claims there have been in each year since 1995.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 23 May 2002
	The Department does not hold figures for all clinical negligence claims made against the national health service.

Clinical Negligence

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of medical negligence the NHS Litigation Authority is (a) investigating and (b) defending against compensation claims brought against health authorities by former patients.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The national health service litigation authority is currently handling 1,929 clinical negligence cases brought against health authorities. All of these claims are defended until they are settled or successfully repudiated and it is not possible to show which of these are being investigated.

Clinical Negligence

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the proposed White Paper on clinical negligence indicated in the Department of Health's response to the Kennedy report published in January.

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the White Paper on clinical negligence Reform.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	In July 2001 the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was asked to set up an advisory group to look at the reform of clinical negligence in the national health service. It has not yet been possible to publish proposals for reform, because of the complexity of the issues raised by potential reforms, the need to consult widely (including through the Lord Chancellor's Department on how compensation is paid) and also to consider how potential proposals sit alongside a concurrent review of the NHS complaints procedure. Nevertheless, the CMO has now held the last of his advisory group meetings and will shortly publish the findings along with recommendations for reform.

Clinical Negligence

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated net value of outstanding clinical negligence claims against the NHS in England was at 31 March 2000.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The estimated net value of outstanding clinical negligence claims against the national health service in England at 31 March 2000, as reported in the NHS Summarised Accounts for 1999–2000 was £2.6 billion.

Digital Hearing Aids

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost to the NHS is of providing a patient with (a) a hearing test and (b) a digital hearing aid; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Some hearing tests are undertaken in audiological medicine out-patient clinics. The national average cost for a first attendance at these clinics in the financial year 2000–01 was £123, while the national average cost for a follow up attendance was £98. The fitting of hearing aids (which might include a hearing test along with counselling) in the same period cost £171 per person. The average cost to the national health service of a digital hearing aid in that period was £276. Since then the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency has been able to negotiate with several providers to reduce the average cost of those digital aids to £159. An NHS digital hearing aid negotiating team, chaired by James Strachan, Chief Executive of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, is leading further negotiations to achieve the best possible digital hearing aid price and contract.

Repair and Maintenance

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money budgeted for repair and maintenance was not spent (a) in each NHS region and (b) in England, in the most recent year for which figures are available, indicating how much was attributable to (i) fire safety and (ii) other safety costs.

Hazel Blears: Money for repair and maintenance is currently derived from block capital allocations provided annually to each national health service trust. The amount budgeted and spent on each element is then determined by each NHS trust. In addition, the major capital investment programme set out in the NHS Plan is making a significant contribution to improving the quality of the NHS estate. Figures are not collected centrally on the amount of block capital sums budgeted and expended against repair and maintenance by each NHS trust.

General Practitioners

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average number of hours worked per week by general practitioners is.

John Hutton: We do not collect actual hours worked by general practitioners, however we do collect contractual commitments i.e. full time, three quarter time, job share and half time. This information is available in table 3 and 4 of the Statistical Bulletin 'Statistics for General Medical Practitioners in England: 1991–2001' copies of which are available in the Library.

General Practitioners

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 29 April, Official Report, column 631W, whether the findings of the Department's policy research programme and the health technology assessment programme will play a part in the criteria in allocating extra GP golden hello funding for local PCTs.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The current list of under-doctored primary care trusts eligible for additional payments under the national health service general practitioner golden hello scheme is based on general medical services census data and comprises the lower 50 per cent. of primary care trusts assessed on the basis of the number of general practitioners per 100,000 weighted head of population.
	We have undertaken to review the list of under- doctored primary care trusts periodically but do not propose to depart from using census data as the basis for the list.

Age Discrimination

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what evidence he received of drug trials often not being carried out on older patients so drugs would not be designed to meet their needs, as published on page 6 of the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination; and if he will place the evidence in the Library;
	(2)  what evidence he received of age discrimination in staffing ratios, as set out on page 6 of the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination; and if he will place the evidence in the Library;
	(3)  if he will set out the evidence found of areas and services considered to be affected by implicit age discrimination, as set out in table 4, page 7 of the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination;
	(4)  if he will set out the evidence found of council policies identified in audits that could be age discriminatory, as set out in table 3, page 7 of the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination;
	(5)  what information he collects and monitors regarding Standard 1 of the NSF for Older People as set out in the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination, page 10, paragraph 27.

Jacqui Smith: Monitoring of the milestones in standard one of the national service framework began with the October 2001 milestone, reported on in an interim report published in April 2002. As part of the monitoring of written age related policies the older people's local implementation teams (LITs) were asked to give examples of any issues of concern in relation to implicit or wider age discrimination that arose during their local scrutiny. All the issues in the questions were reported by various LITs as having being discussed as issues of potential concern. Monitoring information on the progress against the April 2002 milestone will be available in the summer.

Age Discrimination

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further work his Department is undertaking to ensure that he receives greater detail about individual policy age discrimination, as set out in paragraph 13, page 6 of the NSF for Older People Interim report on Age Discrimination.

Jacqui Smith: The are no plans to collect more detailed information at a national level. A report of the local audit of written policies and the local plans to address any individual age discriminatory policies found are to be reported within the next published annual reports of local organisations.

Victoria Climbie Inquiry

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Lord Laming will respond to the Victoria Climbie inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The Victoria Climbie inquiry, of which Lord Laming is the chair, is expected to report later this year. The Government will consider the inquiry's recommendations very carefully before responding to them.

Fair Access to Care Services Guidance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the Fair Access to Care Services guidance.

Jacqui Smith: The guidance was published on 28 May 2002 under cover of a local authority circular, LAC(2002)13. Copies will be placed in the Library.

Epilepsy

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many sudden unexpected deaths from epilepsy there were in (a) Blackpool, (b) the north-west and (c) the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Jacqui Smith: The figures for the number of deaths from epilepsy are as follows.
	
		
			  England and Wales North-west(95) Blackpool 
		
		
			 1996 836 134 Nil 
			 1997 824 126 2 
			 1998 848 150 4 
			 1999 870 141 2 
			 2000 850 112 3 
		
	
	(95) North-west Government office region
	Note:
	"Sudden Epileptic Death" was defined as a death where the underlying cause was epilepsy and where "sudden death" appeared in the cause of death text when it was certified.
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics

Epilepsy

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities and support are available to epilepsy sufferers and their families in the Blackpool area.

Jacqui Smith: An out-patient service which is based at the neurology department of the Blackpool Victoria Hospital is available to residents in the Blackpool area and surrounding locality. Those patients requiring more specialist assessments and treatment are referred to the Royal Preston Hospital which provides the specialist service for epilepsy sufferers across Lancashire and South Cumbria. This is a clinic-based service under the direction of two consultant neurologists. A specialist nurse is also available who can provide follow up support to patients and families as appropriate. Where necessary patients can also be referred to the David Lewis Centre in Cheshire which provides a specialist centre for assessing and managing severe or complex epilepsy.

Accommodation Centres

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the proposed accommodation centres will be required to register with the Care Standards Commission.

Jacqui Smith: No.

Accommodation Centres

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if children in accommodation centres will have access to local child and adolescent mental health services.

Jacqui Smith: Children in the proposed accommodation centres for asylum seekers will have the same access to local child and adolescent mental health services as other children.

Foster Care

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children are in (a) public and (b) private foster care in each authority; and of those, what proportion are out-of-area placements.

Jacqui Smith: At 31 March 2001, there were 38,400 children being looked after by local councils in England, who were in foster care. Of these, 9,100 (or 24 per cent.) were in placements outside the boundaries of the council responsible for their care.
	The Department does not collect figures on the numbers of children in private foster care.

Multiple Sclerosis Care

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are in place for the appointment of MS nurses.

Jacqui Smith: There are no formal central guidelines in place for the appointment of multiple sclerosis (MS) nurses. The development and funding of specialist nursing posts to treat specific conditions such as MS is for primary care trusts, in partnership with other local stakeholders, to determine.
	Health Service Circular HSC 2002–004 on the 'Cost effective provision of disease modifying therapies for people with multiple sclerosis' does, however, contain some guidance on the funding of MS nurses as they relate to that scheme.

Multiple Sclerosis Care

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects that the NICE guidelines on MS services will be issued.

Jacqui Smith: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence currently expects to issue its clinical guideline on multiple sclerosis services in June 2003.

Communication Aids

Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adults with physical disabilities have been supplied with communication aids by community equipment stores in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Communication Aids

Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ring-fence funding for communication aids within extra funds provided for community equipment.

Jacqui Smith: Additional funding for community equipment services has been, and will be, distributed through increased baseline allocations to health and social services in the years 2001–02 to 2003–04. Provision for improving funding for communication aids is part of those increased allocations and there are no plans to ring-fence it separately.

Equipment Service

Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the funding allocation to the Equipment Service has been spent on physical equipment.

Jacqui Smith: Additional funding for community equipment services has been, and will be, distributed through increased baseline allocations to health and social services in the years 2001–02 to 2003–04. Information about spend on physical equipment is not collected centrally.

Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost of establishing the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection.

Jacqui Smith: Estimates of the cost of establishing the new health inspectorate will be made in preparing the required legislation.

Legal Claims

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to address the issue of increasing legal claims against the NHS.

Hazel Blears: In July 2001 the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was asked to set up an advisory group to look at the reform of clinical negligence in the NHS. It has not yet been possible to publish proposals for reform, because of the complexity of the issues raised by potential reforms, the need to consult widely (including through the Lord Chancellor's Department on how compensation is paid) and also to consider how potential proposals sit alongside a concurrent review of the NHS complaints procedure. Nevertheless, the CMO has now held the last of his advisory group meetings and will shortly publish the findings along with recommendations for reform.

Anti-TNF Therapy

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will list each health authority area where anti-TNF therapy is (a) available and (b) unavailable;
	(2)  what plans he has for increasing access to anti-TNF therapy.

Hazel Blears: holding answers 11 March 2002
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is conducting an appraisal of anti-TNF treatments. Guidance was issued to the national health service on 22 March 2002.
	We do not hold information centrally about the current availability of these treatments.

Unpaid Advisers

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 18 April 2002, Official Report, column 1177W, what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of unpaid advisers who have assisted the work of his Department since June 1997 but are not included in the Cabinet Office's annual report "Task Forces, Ad Hoc Advisory Groups and Reviews 2000–01".

John Hutton: holding answer 21 May 2002
	Ministers have not appointed unpaid advisers other than those accounted for in the list of task forces, reviews and other ad hoc advisory groups.
	However, a large number of outside experts provide their time and knowledge to the Department on an ad hoc basis as and when appropriate and without payment. I am grateful to all of them for their help which enriches the work of the Department. Information is not held centrally about such individual contributions.

Midwives

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress to increase staff retention among midwives.

John Hutton: holding answer 22 May 2002
	The Department and the Royal College of Midwives are working closely to improve recruitment and retention by promoting flexible working, childcare, diversity and tackling harassment.
	Pay for midwives has increased by at least 26 per cent. Since 1997 and a new grading agreement has been introduced.
	The number of midwives (headcount) increased by 510 between September 2000 and September 2001. 2,000 more midwives are planned by 2006.
	Workforce development confederations are modelling the future maternity work force taking into account programmes such as Birthrate Plus.

Midwives

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the likely main incentives for attracting former midwives back into the profession.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Return Journeys booklet is the result of an assessment of returners' needs and sets out the incentives for people to return to a career in midwifery, or other health care careers in the national health service. I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.
	The Improving Working Lives initiative is making return to the NHS more attractive.
	We are working with the Royal College of Midwives, local supervisory authorities for midwifery, heads of midwifery and workforce development confederations to improve the return journey for midwives.

Smallpox Vaccine

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what selection criteria the contract to produce smallpox vaccine for the UK Government were awarded.

John Hutton: holding answer 23 May 2002
	Detailed confidential discussions were held with five major pharmaceutical companies who were known to have vaccine manufacturing capabilities either in the UK or in Europe. The key criterion for awarding the contract for smallpox vaccine was the ability to supply the quantity of vaccine of the preferred strain within the desired timescale.

Correspondence

James Cran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a substantive reply will be given to Mrs. S. J. Havis's letter of 19 March, concerning child abuse deaths.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 24 May 2002
	A reply was sent on 20 May.

School Nursing Service

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many qualified nurses are employed by the school nursing service in each PCT;
	(2)  how many PCTs operate pupil drop-in surgeries by school nurses in primary schools;
	(3)  what services to pupils are normally performed by the school nursing service;
	(4)  what plans he has to expand the schools nursing service.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Information is not collected centrally on the number of pupil drop-in surgeries run by school nurses, nor are numbers of nurses employed in the school health service collected separately from returns on the overall community nurse work force. Expansion of the school nursing service is a matter for primary care trusts, which are tasked with providing for the health care needs of their local population.
	Services to pupils normally provided by the school nursing service include supporting children and young people with medical needs in schools. Services are also designed to reduce health inequalities through programmes to improve and protect health such as sexual health and relationships, accident prevention, nutrition and physical activity, parenting, smoking cessation, and immunisation.
	Improving the health of children and young people and reducing inequalities are priorities for this Government. Additional work is being developed within the children's national service framework, national healthy schools standard and the teenage pregnancy unit.

Biological Parents (Tracing Rights)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on enabling children conceived using donated sperm to trace their biological fathers.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	We have not yet taken a view on this matter. An open consultation continues until 1 July this year on the provision of information about donors. The consultation document asks, among other things, for views as to whether identifying information about future donors should be made available. Copies of the consultation document are in the Library.

School Fruit

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on 29 April 2002, Official Report, column 624W, on school fruit, what guidance there is to ensure that his Department buys British when purchasing apples for the national school fruit scheme.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Department contracts with various suppliers and distributors to supply fruit for the national school fruit scheme. In all of its procurements, the Department is obliged to secure value for money through competition and has to consider EC Procurement Directives; therefore, the Department is unable to insist upon only British products being purchased. We would, however, expect UK growers to be well placed to meet the challenge of supplying fruit for the scheme.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding has been allocated to each department within each NHS trust for NICE recommended treatments, drugs and technologies.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	We have not allocated earmarked funding for National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended treatments. However, national health service bodies have a statutory obligation to fund such treatments. General allocations to health authorities take account of the pressures on pay, prices and the cost of implementing NICE recommendations which they all face. Allocations have increased by at least 6 per cent. in real terms in 2002–03.

Missed Appointments

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what methodology was used by his Department to quantify how much money it was costing the NHS from patients missing GP appointments each year.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Information on missed general practitioner appointments is not collected by the Department which has consequently not published any estimates of costs.

Locums

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to hospital trusts when negotiating for locum contracts for doctors and nurses with private agencies.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The Department is publishing a code of practice on the supply of temporary staffing shortly, which will support trusts in purchasing temporary staff from commercial and in-house providers of temporary staff.
	Commercial agencies are providing temporary staff to trusts through co-ordinated contracts, which include quality, risk and value for money criteria.

NHS Consultants

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS consultants retired in each year since 1997.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The figures in the table show the number of consultants who received a pension award, from the National Health Service Pension Scheme, in each of the financial years 1997 to 2001. The figures include all types of retirement, including age, ill health, voluntary early, preserved pensions, and premature, which may be subject to retrospective adjustment following validation processes.
	
		
			 Year Consultant Pension Awards 
		
		
			 1997 415 
			 1998 450 
			 1999 400 
			 2000 403 
			 2001 497 
			 Total 2,165

Overseas Treatment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer on 29 April 2002, Official Report, column 626W, on overseas treatment, what the estimated number of patients for the next six months booked to receive overseas treatment was.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	No such information is held centrally. It is for local commissioners to decide, in the light of capacity constraints across their local health economies, and taking into account the different commissioning options available to them, whether or not to refer patients overseas for treatment.

Fraud

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place to encourage members of the public and NHS staff to report suspected incidents of fraud in the NHS.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 May 2002
	Since the formation of the National Health Service Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS) in 1998, every health body is required in Secretary of State Directions to have a dedicated and accredited local counter fraud specialist (LCFS) who can be contacted by NHS staff to report any suspicion of fraud in the NHS. One of the many functions of the LCFS is to contribute to a wider change in public and staff attitudes towards fraud in the national health service, using a variety of measures to develop an anti-fraud culture.
	In addition, the NHS CFS has the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line (FCRL), which is a secure channel for members of the public and NHS staff to report any suspicion of fraud in the NHS.
	A series of fraud awareness presentations (FAPs) has also been given to every health authority, NHS trust, primary care trust and local professional committee, to not only provide details of the work of the NHS CFS but how to report a suspicion of fraud through their LCFS, regional NHS CFS office or the FCRL.
	Over 600 of these presentations have been delivered to date and questionnaires completed by attendees reflect the development of an anti-fraud culture. The questionnaires have shown 99 per cent. of NHS staff are now clear about their role in countering fraud.
	The NHS CFS also has a series of counter-fraud charters signed with all of the professional associations, 113 patient groups and the Royal College of Nursing. The number of NHS staff and contractors covered by counter-fraud charter agreements to work together to counter fraud is more than 400,000. Work continues to increase this number.
	These charters demonstrate the development of a real anti-fraud culture among those working within the NHS.

Psychiatric Nurses

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many psychiatric nurses have been recruited to NHS mental health authorities in each year since 1997.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 May 2002
	The national health service does not have mental health authorities. Information on overall numbers of psychiatry nurses is given by health authority. In 2001 there were 41,540 psychiatry nurses compared to 39,110 in 1997, an increase of 2,430 or 6 per cent.
	This information has been placed in the Library.

Mental Health

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the new primary care trusts have a mental health specialist responsible for commissioning mental health services.

Jacqui Smith: The Department does not collect information about the qualifications of staff involved following 'Shifting the Balance of Power' in commissioning mental health services. Primary care trusts (PCTs) will provide some services themselves; they will commission service from other providers, both local and non-local; and they will have collaborative arrangements with other PCTs for commissioning highly specialised services. PCTs are accountable to their strategic health authority (StHA) for discharging these functions effectively. In all cases, it will be important to work in partnership with existing stakeholders, pool expertise and ensure sufficient dedicated capacity to develop effective health needs assessments, and plan and secure effective service delivery. We believe that mental health local implementation teams offer a strong and stable platform to continue joint commissioning approaches to mental health service development.

Mental Health

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recourse is available to people requiring particular mental health services at primary care level, when those services are not accessible (a) through their general practitioner and (b) within the area of their primary care trust.

Jacqui Smith: Most patients want the best treatment at a convenient place and service agreements will be designed to secure this. It is why we have embarked on a radical programme of modernisation to improve access, reduce unfair variation, raise standards, and provide quicker and more convenient services. Our programme of work includes a national service framework for the delivery of modern mental health and social services, and significant extra investment.
	Following 'Shifting the Balance of Power' primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for commissioning services for their populations. They are accountable to their strategic health authority (StHA) for discharging this function effectively. PCTs will provide some services themselves and will also commission service from other providers, both local and non local. With regard to more specialised services that, by their very nature, are provided from relatively few providers, PCTs will increasingly have collaborative commissioning arrangements with other PCTs. This will enable them to pool expertise and ensure sufficient dedicated capacity to develop effective health needs assessments, and plan and secure delivery of services. In addition, there is the flexibility within the national health service of making referrals into the private sector if, in the judgment of clinicians and commissioners, an individual's needs warrant this, and the service is an appropriate one.

Mental Health

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts have commissioned (a) counselling, (b) cognitive therapy, (c) psychotherapy, (d) complementary therapy and (e) exercise on prescription for people with mental health problems.

Jacqui Smith: Central records are not kept of commissioning by primary care trusts of the services listed. However, we are well aware that these approaches are of benefit in mental health promotion, and in the treatment of mental illness. Clinical decisions about their use for individual patients are taken locally in the context of national guidance, the evidence base, and the available resources. We have set out seven standards for the delivery of effective mental health services in the mental health national service framework. Standards one, two and three set out the action needed to ensure effective access to assessment and treatment in and through primary care. The Department published an evidence based clinical guideline 'Treatment Choice in Psychological Therapies and Counselling' to help guide referrers. 'Making it happen—A guide to delivering mental health promotion' was published by the Department later in 2001; it contains a section entitled 'Physical activity as treatment', and in March 2001 we published a response to the Lords inquiry on complementary medicine, welcoming the report's recommendations.

Suicide

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources have been allocated for the public relations strategy to reduce suicide.

Jacqui Smith: We published a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to prevent suicide for public consultation on 26 April 2002. We are currently developing a strategy to ensure that the final agreed national suicide prevention strategy, which we plan to launch in September 2002, is publicised effectively.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the Advisory Committee for the Transparency of Measures Governing the Pricing of Medicinal Products for Human Use is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: A consultative committee was established by Council Directive 89/105/EEC to implement the Directive, which relates to the transparency of measures regulating the prices of medicinal products for human use and their inclusion in the scope of national health insurance systems. Its task is to examine questions relating to the application of this Directive brought up by the Commission or at the request of a member state.
	The Committee last met in early 1999.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the advisory committee on the training of chemists is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The advisory committee on pharmaceutical training (ACPT) is one of a group of committees set up to advise the European Commission and member states on matters relating to the training of workers whose professions come under sectoral directives guaranteeing free movement and automatic recognition of qualifications.
	The ACPT was set up by Council Decision 85/434/EEC. Its mandate is set down in Article 2, which states that:
	1. The task of the Committee shall be to help to ensure a comparably high standard of pharmaceutical training in the Community.
	2. It shall carry out this task, in particular, by the following means:
	exchange of comprehensive information as to the training methods and the content, level and structure of theoretical and practical courses provided in the member states,
	discussion and consultation with the object of developing a common approach to the standard to be attained in the training of pharmacists and, as appropriate, to the structure and content of such training,
	keeping under review the adaptation of the pharmaceutical training to developments in pharmaceutical science and teaching methods.
	3. The Committee shall communicate to the Commission and the member states its opinions and recommendations including, when it considers it appropriate, suggestions for amendments to be made to the articles relating to pharmaceutical training in Council Directives 85/432/EEC and 85/433/EEC.
	4. The Committee shall also advise the Commission on any other matter which the Commission may refer to it in relation to pharmaceutical training.
	Each advisory committee has three experts from each member state—one each from the practising profession, the education establishments and the competent authorities concerned. Three alternates are also appointed. Members and alternates are nominated by Ministers, following consultation with the relevant professional bodies.
	The advisory committee members' expenses fall to be paid by the Commission (or on occasion by the professions concerned). There is thus no direct charge to public funds.
	Member states are currently considering Commission proposals for streamlining the directives and processes relating to free movement of professionals. None of the advisory committees has met during the last 12 months; and none of them has any items under consideration.
	In April this year, the issues arising from the Commission's proposals for the future of professional recognition were submitted to the Parliamentary Scrutiny Committees (Explanatory Memorandum No. 7239/02—COM(2002)119final).

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the Committee on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provision of the member states concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Under EU Directive 2001/37/EC on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products, provision is made for a Committee to be set up to assist the European Commission in developing and updating the provisions of the Directive. The Committee is currently in the process of being set up and its first meeting is anticipated to take place before the end of this year. The United Kingdom will be represented by one expert, and the costs associated with it are not yet known. The work programme of the Committee has not been confirmed but is likely to build on Article 11 of the Directive, which highlights a number of areas which should be reviewed or developed in the light of developments in scientific and technical knowledge.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the Committee on the Community action programme on injury prevention is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Committee was established under Article 5 of the Decision 372/1999/EC, adopting a programme of community action on injury prevention in the framework for action in the field of public health, to assist the Commission in implementing the programme.
	The committee met twice in the last twelve months, on 20 June 2001, and 18 December 2001, when it was formally disbanded.
	The UK was generally represented by two officials from the Department and the Department for Trade and Industry. Three officials attended the June meeting.
	The travel costs are reimbursed by the commission for two delegates at each meeting. Therefore the cost to public funds was overnight subsistence for all the delegates, in accordance with the policy of individual Departments, and one return airfare to Luxembourg. A record of the individual costs to each Department is not centrally held.
	There are currently no items under consideration of the committee, as it was disbanded in December 2001.
	Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme on health promotion, information, education and training is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The European Union Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme on health promotion, information, education and training was mandated under Article 5 of Decision 645/96/EC of the European Parliament and the Council. The committee assisted the Commission in taking forward the programme by providing opinions on proposed measures by the Commission. It is due to terminate with the introduction of the new EU action programme on public health.
	The committee met twice in the last year, in May 2001 and February 2002. One UK official from the Department attended on each occasion.
	Travel and subsistence claims paid from public funds were £346. The commission reimbursed international airfare costs.
	Details about the committee, the programme and funded projects can be found on Europa, the EU online website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/index en.html.

Genetic Information

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will introduce legislation for the protection of personal genetic information before members of the public are asked to donate blood samples to Biobank UK.

Hazel Blears: The United Kingdom's Biobank will conform to all relevant ethical and legal guidelines regarding consent, confidentiality and use of human tissue, biological samples and genetic information. Also, as recommended in the report on research databases published recently by the human genetics commission ("Inside Information—balancing interests in the use of personal genetic information"), governance of the UK Biobank will be overseen by an independent body that is separate from its owners and users. The Government do not currently intend to introduce further safeguards for the protection of personal genetic information before members of the public are asked to donate blood samples to the UK Biobank.

Retained Organs Commission

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in the Retained Organs Commission at 1 April; and what proportion of those staff have clincial contact with NHS patients.

Hazel Blears: The retained organs commission employed 19 full or part-time staff (a total of 17.2 whole-time equivalent staff) at 1 April 2002. None of these staff has clinical contact with national health service patients.